Chelsea Football Club have officially announced the signing of Portuguese midfielder Dario Essugo from Sporting CP for a fee of £18.5 million. The 20-year-old, who spent last season on loan at La Liga side Las Palmas, has penned a long-term contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2033.
The deal, first reported by The Opitanglobamedia Football in March, was finalized without any add-ons or sell-on clauses, making it a straightforward transfer. Chelsea had been monitoring Essugo closely and moved quickly to secure his signature ahead of other European rivals. The transfer is seen as a strategic move by the club to address their lack of depth in defensive midfield.
A Midfield Reinforcement and Backup for Caicedo
Chelsea’s pursuit of a midfield addition has been long-standing, especially with the need to provide cover for first-choice defensive midfielder Moisés Caicedo. The club’s management identified Essugo as a player capable of rotating with Caicedo next season, offering energy, defensive solidity, and tactical versatility.
Head coach Enzo Maresca is believed to be a strong advocate of the transfer, seeing Essugo as a long-term asset who can gradually grow into a starting role. While not expected to immediately displace Caicedo, Essugo’s arrival gives Chelsea the flexibility to manage squad rotation across domestic and European competitions next season, including their UEFA Conference League campaign.
Rising Star with La Liga and Primeira Liga Experience
Essugo made headlines in 2021 when he debuted for Sporting CP at just 16 years old, becoming the youngest player to feature for the club’s senior team. Over the course of his time in Lisbon, he made 29 appearances before going out on loan to gain further experience.
He spent the second half of the 2023-24 season on loan at Portuguese side Chaves, followed by a successful 2024-25 stint at Las Palmas, where he featured in 27 La Liga matches. His performances in Spain impressed scouts and analysts alike, with his composure, ball recovery, and positional awareness marking him as one of Europe’s promising young midfielders.
Chelsea’s Youth Movement Continues
Essugo’s signing is the latest in Chelsea’s youth-driven recruitment strategy, aimed at building a competitive squad for the future. In addition to Essugo, Chelsea have also secured the future services of 18-year-old Sporting winger Geovany Quenda. As reported by The Opitanglobamedia Football in March, Quenda will remain in Portugal for the 2025-26 season before moving to London in July 2026.
Quenda has already agreed to a seven-year contract running until 2033, with an option for an additional 12 months. His move is part of a broader long-term project led by Chelsea’s sporting directors to assemble a core of highly talented young players who can develop under the club’s modernized football structure.
More Additions Incoming: Delap Deal Close
Chelsea’s summer transfer activity isn’t stopping with Essugo. The club have also reached an agreement with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap over personal terms. The 21-year-old English forward is expected to complete his medical in the coming days, after which he will sign a contract running until 2031.
Delap’s potential arrival highlights Chelsea’s focus on rejuvenating their squad with hungry, high-upside talents from across Europe. With Essugo now officially part of the setup, and more signings on the horizon, Chelsea’s 2025-26 squad is taking shape as a blend of youth, energy, and long-term planning.
