Geovany Quenda and Dastan Satpayev have been spotted at Chelsea's Cobham training ground on the first official day of Xabi Alonso's tenure as head coach. The two new signings, who agreed moves earlier, are already at the facility ahead of pre-season, which begins in nine days.
Quenda and Satpayev Arrive Early
Satpayev was photographed alongside FC Kairat owner Kairat Boranbayev and Chelsea sporting director Joe Shields. Footage also showed him in the gym performing squats, with Quenda visible in the background. Quenda, a versatile 19-year-old, agreed his Chelsea move in March 2025 as part of a deal with Sporting CP that also brought Dario Essugo to Stamford Bridge.
Quenda remained at Sporting for the 2025/26 season, scoring six goals and providing nine assists in 32 appearances across competitions. Despite a four-month absence due to a broken metatarsal, his statistics are noteworthy. The injury allowed him to visit Chelsea's facilities and get acquainted with the club.
Alonso's System Suits Quenda
Alonso's arrival is well-timed for Quenda, who excelled as a wing-back for Sporting in the 2024/25 campaign. Alonso typically favours a three-man defence, and Quenda has since played further up the pitch and on either flank, demonstrating adaptability.
Other pre-agreed acquisitions include Strasbourg pair Emmanuel Emegha and Valentin Barco. It remains unclear which system Alonso will deploy, but the addition of right wing-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta suggests a return to his preferred setup.
Further Transfers and Departures
Chelsea are also set to bring in Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano, having sold first-choice left-back Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid. Enzo Fernandez is also on Real Madrid's radar. Malo Gusto could depart, with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, now at Manchester City, keen to sign him. However, a £75 million price tag may deter suitors, despite both sides being open to a Stamford Bridge exit after a disappointing campaign.
With the World Cup underway, futures of players like Gusto (France) and Fernandez (Argentina) are unlikely to be resolved until mid-July, as both nations are expected to progress deep into the tournament.
