Dario Essugo will make the move to Chelsea this summer. This has been reported by various media outlets in Portugal and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The 20-year-old midfielder will reportedly join from Sporting Portugal for a fee of over 20 million euros.
Chelsea continues to strengthen its squad with young talent from Portugal, with Sporting CP emerging as a key supplier for the London club’s future.
After reports surfaced on Friday that Geovany Quenda will move from Lisbon to London in 2026 in a multi-million euro deal, Chelsea has now secured another exciting prospect in Dário Essugo. The highly-rated Portuguese defensive midfielder has been attracting attention for some time and will now take the next step in his career by joining The Blues.
Essugo, who is currently on loan at Las Palmas, will not be returning to Sporting CP, as Chelsea has finalized a deal to bring him to England. His move comes as part of Chelsea’s long-term strategy of acquiring young, high-potential players who can develop into key figures in the squad over the coming years. The club believes that Essugo, known for his strength, aggression, and ball-winning ability, fits the mold of a modern defensive midfielder who can make an impact both now and in the future.
The 19-year-old has made 17 appearances for Las Palmas this season, scoring one goal and receiving two red cards. His latest sending-off came in a match against Real Betis on March 9, which meant he was unavailable for Las Palmas' recent 2-2 draw against Deportivo Alavés, a match in which Dutch goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen featured. Despite his disciplinary record, Essugo has impressed with his energy and ability to disrupt opposition attacks, making him a valuable asset in midfield. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and Chelsea’s scouting department has been monitoring his progress for some time.
In December, Essugo gained unexpected media attention during a game against Espanyol when he suddenly ran off the pitch to use the restroom. While the moment became a talking point, it also highlighted his growing presence in La Liga. The teenager has adapted well to Spanish football despite playing in a struggling Las Palmas side, and his ability to compete physically at a high level has reassured Chelsea that he is ready for the step up to the Premier League.
At Stamford Bridge, Essugo is expected to serve as a backup for Moisés Caicedo. Chelsea has been searching for midfield reinforcements, and the Portuguese youngster is seen as an ideal candidate to provide cover while also learning from more experienced players. His profile suggests he could develop into a future starter, given his natural ability to recover possession and disrupt play. The club sees him as a long-term replacement for players like Conor Gallagher, whose future remains uncertain amid ongoing transfer speculation.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Essugo will sign a seven-year contract with Chelsea, a length that reflects the club’s commitment to his development. The Blues have followed a similar approach with other young talents, securing them on long-term deals to ensure stability and financial flexibility in the squad. The signing is another example of Chelsea’s aggressive recruitment strategy under its current ownership, which has focused heavily on securing the best emerging talent from around the world.
Essugo’s arrival will have a direct impact on Chelsea’s current squad planning. His signing means that Mathis Amougou, another promising defensive midfielder, will be deemed surplus to requirements in the immediate future. The 19-year-old Frenchman, who has made just one senior appearance for Chelsea this season, is set to go on loan to Strasbourg, Chelsea’s sister club, for the 2024-25 campaign. Strasbourg, part of the BlueCo group’s multi-club ownership model, has become a key destination for young Chelsea players who need first-team experience. The move is expected to help Amougou gain valuable playing time before potentially reintegrating into Chelsea’s squad in the future.
Essugo’s move to Chelsea marks another step in the club’s commitment to securing the best young talent before they fully break into the global spotlight. The Blues’ scouting network has been particularly active in Portugal, with Sporting CP serving as a major source of talent. With the signing of Geovany Quenda already secured for 2026 and now Essugo joining the club, Chelsea’s pipeline of Portuguese talent is growing stronger.
While Essugo may not walk straight into Chelsea’s starting lineup, the club’s coaching staff believes he has the potential to develop into a key player over the coming years. His ability to win duels, cover ground, and break up opposition attacks makes him a perfect fit for the physical demands of the Premier League. If he continues to develop as expected, he could become a valuable asset in Chelsea’s midfield, providing competition for Caicedo and potentially forming a strong partnership with the Ecuadorian in the long term.
For now, Chelsea fans will be eager to see how Essugo adapts to life in England. His transition from La Liga to the Premier League will be closely watched, and while expectations will be measured, there is optimism that the Portuguese midfielder can grow into a key figure at Stamford Bridge. With a seven-year contract in place, Chelsea is making a strong bet on his future, and if his development continues on its current trajectory, he could become a crucial piece of the club’s long-term plans.
