Thierry Henry delivers 'special' verdict on forgotten Chelsea signing as prediction made

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has already made his feelings clear about Geovany Quenda, who is set to join Chelsea next summer.

In March, football.london reported that the Blues had reached an agreement with Sporting CP to sign the talented 18-year-old. It is understood that a £40million fee was agreed with the Portuguese giants, and Quenda is expected to sign a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

For months, Manchester United had been the club most heavily linked with a move for Quenda, particularly after the appointment of Ruben Amorim as their new head coach last November. The Portuguese boss handed Quenda his Liga Portugal debut in August 2024, where he featured at right wing-back in a 3-1 win over Rio Ave.

But in the end, it was Chelsea who beat their rivals to Quenda's signature. And even before his arrival, he is already drawing admiration.

"This kid is special," Henry told CBS. "I saw him at the Under-21 Euros, the way he goes about what he does, I like it. He has no fear, you would expect that from a youngster.

"But there's something special about him. I just hope that he can show it for a very long time. You can understand his celebration, him throwing his shirt. The start of a long story, hopefully."

Since making his debut for Sporting, Quenda has quickly established himself as a key figure and become a regular starter, continuing to feature prominently in both attacking roles and as a wing-back – even after Amorim's departure to Old Trafford.

Quenda, who has made a name for himself in Portugal, could soon make his debut for the senior national team.

Manchester City star Bernardo Silva has even admitted that the youngster could one day take his place in the lineup.

"But he is part of the national team, certain players leave, new people come in and generations change. It is impressive to see the level Quenda is at at this age.

"I didn't play for Benfica's youth team. It wasn't for the juniors, it was for the youth team. I didn't play for Benfica's youth team.

"Seeing him at 17-years-old representing Sporting and the national team, it is because he deserves it and has the skills to be here. If he continues, he will certainly reach greater heights than he is at now."

Quenda was named as an unused substitute for Portugal during their 1-1 Nations League draw with Croatia last November.

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