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Thierry Henry has revealed he is a ‘huge fan’ of a ‘special’ player who Chelsea signed for £44million last season.
Since Todd Boehly’s takeover of the club three years ago, Chelsea have made a habit of setting up transfers for highly-rated young players way in advance.
For example, Estevao Willian’s £29m move to Stamford Bridge was agreed with Palmeiras in June 2024 but only completed 14 months later.
Three more players are already set to move to west London next summer, namely Sporting Lisbon’s Geovany Quenda, Corinthians defender Denner, and Strasbourg captain Emmanuel Emegha.
The £44m deal for Quenda was agreed as far back as March, with Chelsea also signing up Sporting defensive midfielder Dario Essugo for £19m.
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The Blues beat Manchester United to the signing of the 18-year-old who is highly-rated and made his breakthrough under Ruben Amorim.
The winger has enjoyed a brilliant start to this season, recording five goal contributions in seven appearances, including a goal and an assist as Sporting kicked-off their Champions League campaign with a 4-1 win over Kairat Almaty.
Reacting to the game, Henry was very impressed by the Portuguese team and reserved praise for Quenda, saying he was a ‘huge fan’ of the teenager.
The Arsenal legend told CBS: ‘He’s special. The way he goes about what he does, I like it.
‘He has no fear, you would expect that from a youngster.’
Quenda has already earned comparisons to Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, but nevertheless may find it difficult to break into Chelsea’s starting XI when he eventually arrives in west London.
Enzo Maresca also has wingers Estevao, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens fighting for a place in the line-up.
Speaking back in April, shortly after his move to Chelsea was finalised, former Sporting and Manchester United forward Nani said that the Red Devils had missed a great opportunity by not signing Quenda.
‘There are no players like him at 17. Why did Chelsea sign him? Because they know that,’ the Portugal hero said.
‘It’s difficult to have this type of player who is aggressive with the ball, taking the game forward and creating danger in the box.
‘And when he sees that there is no space to take risks, he knows how to calm down and play with the team. He really is a fantastic player.’
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