Chelsea have announced the acquisition of midfielder Dario Essugo from Sporting CP, in a transfer believed to be worth around £18million.
The agreement to bring Essugo to Stamford Bridge was reached in March, and with the deal now confirmed, he will be eligible to participate in the upcoming Club World Cup.
The 20-year-old is a product of Sporting’s academy and holds the record as the youngest player to feature for the club’s senior team, making his debut at the tender age of 16 in March 2021.
Essugo spent the previous season on loan at Spanish outfit Las Palmas, where he made 27 appearances and netted one goal, despite the club’s relegation from La Liga.
Part of Chelsea’s club statement confirming his arrival read: “The midfielder, who spent last season on loan in La Liga with Las Palmas and is a Portugal Under-21 international, has signed a contract until 2033.
“Essugo began his career in Sporting’s academy and became the youngest-ever player to feature for the club when he made his senior debut aged 16 years and six days against Vitoria de Guimaraes in March 2021.
“Later that year, he broke Luis Figo’s record as the youngest starter for Sporting, aged 16 years, 11 months and 17 days.
“Having gained further experience with Sporting B and featuring on 23 occasions for the club’s first team, Essugo spent the second half of the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Primeira Liga side Chaves, for whom he made 14 appearances.
“Two further outings for Sporting followed at the start of the 2024/25 season before Essugo completed a loan move to Las Palmas.
“The 20-year-old established himself as a regular for the Spanish side, making 27 appearances and scoring one goal for Los Amarillos across all competitions.
“On the international stage, Essugo has featured for Portugal at various age groups. His most recent caps have come with the Under-21s, with his last appearance coming during the March international break.
“Welcome to Chelsea, Dario!”
Essugo took to social media after the move was confirmed, sending a message on the social media platform Instagram. “Happy to join the Chelsea family,” he wrote.
In addition to Essugo, Chelsea also announced the signing of his former Sporting colleague Geovany Quenda earlier this year, although the 17 year old won’t join the squad until next year.
Enzo Maresca’s side appear poised to further bolster their ranks in the coming days, as they edge closer to securing a £30million deal for Ipswich striker Liam Delap.
Following his arrival, Chelsea will be aiming to bring in Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund before Saturday, June 14 with his asking price believed to be £50million.
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