Chelsea have sealed the signing of Portuguese prodigy Dário Essugo from Sporting CP for €22.3 million, locking him into a long-term deal until 2033.
The 20-year-old midfielder joins an already star-studded engine room and is set to feature in Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad travelling to the United States.
Chelsea FC have officially confirmed the signing of Portuguese midfielder Dário Essugo from Sporting CP in a deal worth €22.3 million, as the club continues its aggressive squad rebuild under new head coach Enzo Maresca.
The deal for the 20-year-old talent was initially sealed in March and is now formally completed. Essugo has signed a long-term contract until June 2033, reflecting Chelsea’s ongoing focus on securing emerging talent for the future.
Strengthening the midfield core
Essugo will immediately join Chelsea’s senior squad and is set to be part of the Blues’ contingent travelling to the United States later this month for the Club World Cup. His addition adds further depth to a midfield already packed with names like Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, as well as returning loanees Lesley Ugochukwu and Carney Chukwuemeka.
Essugo spent the 2024/25 season on loan in La Liga with Las Palmas, where he earned praise for his maturity and commanding presence in midfield.
Future arrivals and transfer outlook
Essugo won’t be the only Sporting CP player making the switch to Stamford Bridge. Geovany Quena is also set to join Chelsea next summer in a deal worth up to €52.1 million, but will remain in Portugal for one more season on loan.
Chelsea are also expected to announce the arrival of Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap, who has completed a medical ahead of a £30 million move.
With the club’s recruitment drive showing no signs of slowing down, Chelsea are still targeting a central defender and a left-footed winger before the window closes.
Potential departures
A number of exits are expected as Chelsea balance their roster. Players such as Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, and Benoit Badiashile are reportedly available for transfer, while uncertainty surrounds the futures of Joao Felix, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Trevoh Chalobah.
What’s next for Essugo?
Chelsea have yet to announce Essugo’s shirt number, but his integration into Maresca’s plans suggests he will play a meaningful role in both the Premier League and Champions League campaigns ahead.
Welcome to Stamford Bridge, Dário Essugo. The next chapter of Chelsea’s midfield evolution begins.
