Chelsea Football Club has made another significant move in the transfer market, securing the signature of 20-year-old Portuguese midfielder Dario Essugo from Sporting CP. The deal, finalized on Saturday, March 15, is set to see Essugo join the Blues this summer for a reported transfer fee of €22 million (£18.5 million), further solidifying Chelsea’s strategy of investing in young, high-potential talents under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali’s BlueCo consortium.
Essugo, a Portugal U21 international, has been a standout performer during his loan spell at La Liga side UD Las Palmas this season, where he has made 17 appearances and showcased his combative and energetic style in midfield. His impressive average of 4.8 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes is the highest among midfield regulars in La Liga, drawing attention from top clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid and Barcelona. However, Chelsea have moved swiftly to secure his services, outpacing their rivals in the race for the young star.
The transfer marks Chelsea’s second acquisition from Sporting CP in as many days, following the agreement to sign 17-year-old winger Geovany Quenda for a reported €48 million. While Quenda will remain with Sporting until 2026 before joining Chelsea, Essugo is expected to arrive at Stamford Bridge this summer and integrate into the first team. Reports indicate that Essugo has signed a seven-year contract with the club, underscoring Chelsea’s long-term commitment to his development.
“Dario Essugo to Chelsea, here we go!” sports journalist Fabrizio Romano announced on X earlier today. “Agreement done with Sporting and medical completed. €22m transfer fee for the 20-year-old midfielder to join #CFC this summer and be part of the first team. Essugo will sign a 7-year deal.”
Essugo’s journey to this point has been remarkable. He made history in March 2021 by becoming Sporting CP’s youngest-ever debutant at the age of 16, and he later surpassed a record previously set by Luis Figo when he debuted in the UEFA Champions League at 16 years and 268 days in December 2021. With 25 senior appearances for Sporting under his belt before his loan move to Las Palmas, Essugo brings a blend of youthful exuberance and valuable experience to Chelsea’s midfield.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Essugo has been ongoing since January, with the club initially considering a move for the midfielder during the winter transfer window. However, they opted to sign Mathis Amougou from Saint-Etienne instead at that time. The Blues’ persistence has now paid off, with Essugo reportedly saying “yes” to the BlueCo project, which emphasizes the development of young talent for long-term success.
The addition of Essugo further bolsters an already crowded midfield at Chelsea, which includes established stars like Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Romeo Lavia. Head coach Enzo Maresca will face the challenge of integrating Essugo into the squad while managing the depth of talent at his disposal. It remains unclear whether Essugo will immediately compete for a first-team spot or potentially spend time on loan, possibly with Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg in Ligue 1, as part of his development plan.
Chelsea’s strong relationship with Sporting CP, reinforced by the successful Quenda deal, has been a key factor in securing Essugo’s transfer. The club’s strategy of targeting the world’s best young players has been a hallmark of the BlueCo era, with recent signings like Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez also set to join the ranks in the coming years. While this approach has drawn praise for its forward-thinking nature, it has also sparked debate among fans about the need for immediate-impact signings to complement the influx of youth.