Chelsea complete ‘HISTORIC’ transfer: Xavi Simons within touching distance

Robin Bairner

21 Aug 2025 08:00 BST
4 min read

Xavi Simons, RB Leipzig, Chelsea — © IMAGO

Chelsea have taken a step towards signing RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons after weeks of frustration.

Article continues under the video

The Blues have long had an agreement in place with the Netherlands international, yet they have been left dragging their heels with the deal as they wait to make sales.

Several key moves are in the pipeline, notably for Christopher Nkunku, but Chelsea will get one over the line on Friday, with Renato Veiga’s move to Villarreal confirmed.

Current ETV

Gabri Veiga

M (CL)

Porto

Gabri Veiga

M (CL)

Porto

ETV Range

€18.7M - €22.9M

The Portuguese centre-back underwent a medical in Spain on Thursday, which he passed without a hitch, according to EFE (via Castellon Plaza).

Villarreal have been prompted into action on the market because centre-back Willy Kambwala and Logan Costa are both missing due to injuries.

As such, they have paid an initial €24.5 million to the Blues, with a further €5m potentially following in bonus payments. This agreement will see Veiga, who Chelsea signed for €14m from FC Basel, overtake Arnaut Danjuma to become the club’s most expensive player ever.

Taking to his YouTube channel on Wednesday, football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano outlined how important this move is to the Spanish side.

“It will be a really historical signing for Villarreal in terms of transfer fee invested in a defender. Chelsea and Villarreal are talking about a transfer fee of €24m plus add-ons. Chelsea want almost €30m guaranteed as part of this package, so let’s see how the conversation will continue,” Romano said.

Villarreal seem to have talked Chelsea’s figure down which they will see as something of a victory.

Veiga sale the start of a Chelsea exodus

For Chelsea, this sale is the beginning of a significant exodus of players that is set to gather pace in the final days of the transfer window.

The Blues will be working hard to make sure Enzo Maresca has a manageable squad, with the Blues boss already telling the likes of former Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson and Nkunku that they should leave for the good of their careers.

“I think it is better if they find a solution as they will be more happy, and the club will feel the same,” Maresca said ahead of Friday’s Premier League clash against West Ham United.

Veiga’s departure is one step forward for Chelsea on this task, which should see them eventually sign Simons.

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