Chelsea supporters have issued a stark warning to the club's hierarchy, branding the potential sale of winger Pedro Neto a 'huge mistake'. The alert comes amid growing speculation that the Portugal international's future at Stamford Bridge could become uncertain in 2025.
Why Neto's Chelsea future is under discussion
Pedro Neto has been a key figure for Chelsea this season, starting all 13 of their Premier League matches and contributing four goals and two assists. Despite this, there is increasing internal competition for his place on the right wing.
Young Brazilian star Estevao is pushing for a starting role, while the club has also secured the signing of Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP for £44 million, with the player set to arrive next summer. This impending squad depth has led to questions over whether Chelsea might consider cashing in on the 25-year-old, who is under contract until 2031.
The situation is not purely theoretical. It is understood that one of Europe's biggest clubs made an approach for Neto in the last transfer window, an offer which Chelsea promptly rejected. Fans on platforms like Reddit are convinced that club was German giants Bayern Munich.
Three potential suitors for the Portuguese winger
Should Chelsea's stance change, several top clubs are likely to be monitoring Neto's availability closely. Here are three destinations that could make a move.
Bayern Munich
The Bundesliga champions are strongly fancied as the mystery European side that tested Chelsea's resolve last summer. Supporters point to Bayern's need for a versatile squad winger to rotate with Michael Olise and Luis Diaz. 'Pretty sure it was Bayern,' one Chelsea fan commented online, with others noting the club's late-window search for wide attackers.
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe's side invested in Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest in July, but the Swede has struggled to make an impact. In 13 league appearances, Elanga has failed to score and registered just one assist. If his form does not improve, the Magpies could be tempted to pursue a proven Premier League performer like Neto to bolster their right flank.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs could seek more depth and quality on the right wing to challenge Mohammed Kudus. Brennan Johnson's output has slowed, while Dejan Kulusevski has been plagued by injuries, missing the entire season so far with a knee issue. Neto's work rate and Premier League experience could make him an ideal candidate to strengthen Ange Postecoglou's options.
'A fantastic player to have in the side'
The overwhelming sentiment from the Chelsea fanbase is to keep hold of Neto. Supporters have taken to social media to praise his unique attributes, particularly his defensive work rate. One fan noted: 'There are very few wingers like Neto that are willing to do the pressing and tracking back required in this system.'
Another supporter simply stated: 'He's a fantastic player to have in the side.' The comparison was drawn to the crucial role Luis Diaz once played for Liverpool, with the fan suggesting teams can 'crumble' without that type of industrious, high-quality wide player.
For now, Chelsea are not actively looking to sell. However, with significant investment in young wing talent and persistent interest from Europe's elite, the story of Pedro Neto's future at Stamford Bridge is one to watch as 2025 unfolds.
