Renato Veiga could leave Chelsea, and Bayern is one of the interested clubs

Renato Veiga's time at Chelsea could be coming to an end just a year after his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

The 21-year-old Portuguese centre-back, who spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Juventus, has attracted interest from several top European clubs, with Bayern Munich reportedly among the most serious contenders for his signature.

Veiga joined Chelsea in the summer of 2024 from Swiss side FC Basel for a reported fee of €14 million, following earlier stints at Augsburg and Sporting CP, where he came through the youth ranks. Seen as a highly promising and technically skilled left-footed central defender, his signing was part of Chelsea's long-term strategy of securing young, high-potential talent. However, despite flashes of quality in his early months at the club, Veiga struggled for consistent minutes under then-manager Mauricio Pochettino and was eventually loaned out to Juventus in January 2025 to gain more playing time.

In Italy, Veiga seized his opportunity. His performances in Serie A were marked by composure, tactical awareness, and strong distribution from the back qualities that earned him regular starts and praise from Italian pundits. Over 18 matches in black and white, Veiga delivered one assist, helped Juve secure a fourth-place finish, and played a key role in their qualification for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League. His growth was not limited to club level; he was also called up to the Portuguese national team, contributing to their UEFA Nations League triumph, a milestone in his international career.

Despite this progress, Veiga was left out of Chelsea’s squad for the FIFA Club World Cup, a decision that has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about his long-term role at the club. With Chelsea undergoing another squad reshuffle under the direction of new manager Enzo Maresca, Veiga may find himself surplus to requirements especially with competition for places in central defence including names like Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Benoît Badiashile, and Axel Disasi.

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Bayern Munich are seriously monitoring Veiga’s situation. The German champions are currently evaluating several options to bolster their central defence, and Veiga is reportedly one of four players on their shortlist. His versatility able to play as a centre-back, left-back, or defensive midfielder makes him an attractive prospect for the Bundesliga giants.

However, Bayern’s potential move for Veiga hinges on whether South Korean international Kim Min-Jae departs the Allianz Arena this summer. Kim, who joined Bayern from Napoli in 2023, has been linked with a return to Serie A or a move to the Premier League, but no formal offers have yet been made. Should he leave, Bayern will look to bring in a replacement swiftly, and Veiga could be the profile they pursue.

Other clubs, including several in Italy, Germany, and Spain, are also said to be monitoring Veiga’s availability. Juventus have reportedly expressed interest in bringing him back on a permanent deal, though financial constraints may make that difficult. Chelsea, for their part, are expected to demand a fee in the region of €25–30 million for the Portuguese defender, especially given his recent rise in market value.

Chelsea’s decision on Veiga may also depend on their own outgoings. If other defenders are sold, such as Trevoh Chalobah or Malang Sarr, the club might reconsider retaining Veiga as a squad option. But with no European football this season and a leaner schedule, competition for minutes will be intense, and the player himself may push for a move where he can continue to develop and play regularly.

At just 21, Renato Veiga has already experienced football across four major European leagues and has begun to establish himself at the international level. His next move whether it’s a return to Italy, a fresh challenge in Germany, or a second chance in England could be a defining step in his career.