GEOVANY Quenda dropped a huge hint he would snub Manchester United for Chelsea.
Ruben Amorim’s reported target Quenda, 17, hit Cole Palmer’s ‘cold’ celebration months before his Blues deal went public.
Amorim handed Sporting’s Quenda his Portuguese top-flight debut in August 2024 during his time at Sporting, starting in a 3-1 win over Rio Ave.
The right wing-back made a great first impression and he quickly became a key player for Sporting.
He had been expected to join Man Utd, given his links to Amorim and the fact he’d be considered a perfect fit on the right of his old boss’ preferred 3-4-3 formation.
But Quenda’s move to Stamford Bridge went under the radar.
However, the teenager – who earned a Portugal call-up this week – arguably showed early signs that favoured a move to Chelsea.
He hit Palmer’s famous ‘ice cold’ celebration after scoring his penalty in Sporting’s penalty shootout defeat to Benfica in the Portuguese League Cup.
When Quenda beat Anatoliy Trubin from 12-yards, he paid tribute to Palmer by rubbig his hands over his arms to mimic shivering.
Palmer first did it last December during Chelsea’s 3-2 win at Luton Town..
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
Chelsea have been working on this move for two to three months and believe they have beaten Man Utd to his signature.
The Blues agreed a fee of £42million for Quenda, and he will join the Portuguese club in the summer in a seven-year deal.
Chelsea’s willingness to let Quenda stay at Sporting for 2025-26 played a role in them securing the transfer ahead of their rivals, who both wanted him to join this summer.
But the Manchester Evening News has since debunked the theories that he chose West London over Old Trafford.
The Red Devils never submitted a bid for Quenda before Chelsea agreed to sign the winger.
Desire Doue also mimicked Palmer’s celebration when Paris Saint-Germain knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League this week.
