Atletico Madrid are closing in on a move for Chelsea defender Renato Veiga, with the two clubs discussing a deal. The versatile Portuguese defender appears to be the Colchonero pick to strengthen their backline, after moving on from their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero.
The Argentina international was dubbed as the ‘dream’ signing this summer, but with Spurs unwilling to yield on a rumoured €70m asking price, it appears they have decided a deal would be too costly. After their defence crumbled in the crucial stage of last season though, Atletico seem to be keen to add further reinforcements on top of Robin Le Normand.
Renato Veiga gives green light to Atletico Madrid
News of a potential move for Veiga broke on Saturday, and Florian Plettenberg has reported that personal terms are on the verge of being done. Bayern Munich have previously been cited as one of the other teams interested in Veiga, should a move not transpire.
🚨🔴⚪️ Renato #Veiga has almost agreed personal terms with Atletico Madrid and is keen on the move.
It depends on the agreement with Chelsea. If a move to Atletico does not work out, other teams are in the mix. #CFC
Atletico have been in for Veiga for days and have placed him… pic.twitter.com/vJQUL8Uoy5
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 21, 2025
Meanwhile Matteo Moretto says that Veiga has already said yes to joining Atletico Madrid, even if terms are still to be ironed out between both player and club.
Renato Veiga ya ha dicho sí al Atlético.
El Atlético y el Chelsea están en conversaciones para acordar el importe final del posible traspaso.
El club inglés valora a Veiga en unos 40 millones de euros bonus incluidos. pic.twitter.com/FFNZESJeeq
— Matteo Moretto (@MatteMoretto) July 21, 2025
Agreement between Chelsea and Atletico
The finer terms still have to be hammered out between Atletico and Chelsea, but with the Club World Cup champions open to a sale, it appears Los Rojiblancos have a decent chance of getting a deal done. L’Equipe say that a second €35m offer has been made for Veiga, but the consensus is that Chelsea want a minimum of €40m, even if that includes some variables.
🚨🇵🇹 BREAKING: Atlético Madrid has already made its second offer to Chelsea for Renato Veiga: €35m. The clubs are in talks.
[🥇: @Tanziloic, @lequipe] pic.twitter.com/cfKwdbIxAT
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 21, 2025
Atletico go for a different concept in defence
Part of the idea of their pursuit of Romero was to bring in a leader who could raise the level of the Atletico backline immediately. Veiga may well do so, but represents a nod to the future and an investment in potential, rather than prioritising immediate proven performances.
