Chelsea Star Nears Sporting Loan After Signing New Contract: Reports

Chelsea are nearing a deal to loan out winger Jesse Derry, who has just signed a new contract, to Sporting CP for the season. The 19-year-old, who has been rated highly, has signed new terms until 2032, a year after joining from Crystal Palace. It’s an incredible jump for a player who has only just graduated from the academy.

After a brilliant breakthrough campaign in west London, Derry’s star climbed to the heights of the senior squad. The winger scored 19 goals in 23 appearances for the Under-18s before moving up to the Under-21s, where he featured in the UEFA Youth League and Premier League 2. That progress saw Derry come off the bench to make his senior debut in Chelsea’s 4-0 FA Cup win at Hull City in February.

Derry spoke of his recent dedication:

“This last 12 months, I feel like a completely different player than when I first joined, and that’s credit to all the coaches I’ve worked with. They’ve played such a big part in helping me get better. Just having that little snippet of playing for the first team last season, I couldn’t have thought of anywhere else I’d want to be for my future. It was a no-brainer.”

The loan is a sign of a long working relationship established between the two clubs. Another talented teenager will be heading in a different direction with Derry’s temporary exit, with Chelsea poised to welcome Geovany Quenda, having agreed a £40 million deal to sign the Sporting youngster last summer. His spell in Portugal also saw him play in the Champions League, which would also be of benefit to him in this important phase of his career.

Chelsea set to cash in on Alejandro Garnacho this summer

Chelsea are looking to trim their bloated attack by sending Derry on loan. New head coach Xabi Alonso is beginning to reshape his squad, and the Blues are ready to sanction the permanent exit of Alejandro Garnacho this summer. The Argentina international has failed to make a significant impact at Stamford Bridge since his high-profile move from Manchester United less than a year ago.

Garnacho moved to Chelsea from Manchester United last summer in a deal worth almost £40 million, but he has featured little in the 2025/26 season, scoring just once in 24 Premier League appearances. That underwhelming return poses a serious threat to his long-term prospects just twelve months into his tenure.

The market is heating up, and the suitors are already circling. AS Roma have made contact with Chelsea over a potential deal for the winger, with Napoli, Juventus and AC Milan also said to be interested. But Chelsea are holding firm on their valuation, with the public stance suggesting a fee in the region of £90 million, more than double what they paid Manchester United 12 months ago.