“The one thing I can say…” – Maresca tries to persuade defender to turn down transfer | OneFootball

Things are moving very quicky in the Renato Veiga story.

Just a week ago nobody would have suspected anything from him this season other than his continuation of his role as backup left back. But rumours of interest from Wolves and other places have quickly blossomed, and as of this morning we were getting multiple confirmations from top sources like Fabrizio Romano that a move was likely.

Enzo Maresca’s press conference on Friday saw him deny any knowledge of a bid from Borussia Dortmund for his defender. Today, he’s had to admit that he’s since been made aware of such interest:

“At the moment, I am not aware that there is an agreement for Renato. Yesterday he was here working with us and today he will be here. At the moment, he is our player,” Maresca said.

“The only thing I can say is that we bought Renato from Basel, he has played in different positions and has played well. This has allowed him to be in the senior national team for the first time in his life. Even if he is not playing in his position, it means he can do well in the position he is playing.”

Maresca points out flaw in Veiga’s logic

Rentato Veiga playing in the FA Cup. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

So interestingly, it sounds like Maresca is trying to persuade him to stay. One of the reasons widely being cited for Veiga wanting to go is a desire to cement his Portugal place ahead of the World Cup next summer. But as Maresca rightly points out, he’s earned his place in his national team and made his debut while at Chelsea. Does he really need to go elsewhere to continue that journey?

The whole affair is rather odd – Veiga signed up to be a backup leftback and has played exactly that role. Why the rush to leave?