Chelsea have officially confirmed the signing of midfielder Dário Essugo from Sporting CP, marking the club’s first acquisition of the summer transfer window in a deal understood to be worth approximately £18 million.

The agreement for the 20-year-old’s transfer to Stamford Bridge was reached in March. With the move now finalised, Essugo will be eligible to feature in the forthcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

A graduate of Sporting’s esteemed academy, Essugo holds the record as the youngest player to represent the club’s senior team, having made his debut at just 16 years and six days of age in March 2021.

Essugo spent the previous campaign on loan at Spanish side Las Palmas, registering 27 appearances and one goal. Despite his contributions, the club was ultimately relegated from La Liga.

Chelsea Confirm Long-Term Deal for Portugal U21 International
Chelsea’s official statement 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 Vitória de Guimarães in March 2021. Later that year, he broke Luís 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 making 23 first-team appearances, Essugo joined Primeira Liga side Chaves on loan for the second half of the 2023/24 season, where he played 14 matches. Two additional appearances for Sporting followed at the beginning of the 2024/25 season before completing his loan move to Las Palmas.”

“The 20-year-old quickly established himself as a regular for the Spanish outfit, amassing 27 appearances and scoring once across all competitions.”

“On the international front, Essugo has represented Portugal at various youth levels, most recently featuring for the Under-21s during the March international break.”

“Welcome to Chelsea, Dário!”

Following confirmation of the move, Essugo took to Instagram to express his delight, writing: “Happy to join the Chelsea family.”

More Signings Set to Follow Under Maresca’s Leadership
Chelsea had previously announced the signing of Geovany Quenda, another promising talent from Sporting CP. However, the 17-year-old is not expected to link up with the squad until next year.

Under new head coach Enzo Maresca, the club appear intent on significantly reinforcing their squad. The Blues are reportedly on the verge of finalising a £30 million move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.

Additionally, Chelsea are pushing to complete a deal for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens before Saturday, 14th June. The winger is valued at around £50 million.

With the capture of Essugo and the prospect of further additions, Maresca’s Chelsea rebuild is gathering momentum as the club looks to return to the summit of domestic and European football.