Chelsea Confirm Signing of Portugal Midfielder Dário Essugo From Sporting CP

English Premier League club Chelsea have completed the signing of Portuguese midfielder Dário Essugo from Sporting CP in a deal reportedly worth €22.3 million.

The transfer was finalized in March but officially announced by Chelsea today, June 2, 2025. The 20-year-old has signed a long-term contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until June 2033.

Essugo, who spent the 2024/2025 season on loan at La Liga side Las Palmas, comes with top-flight experience. He featured in 27 matches for the Spanish club, scoring once and playing a key role in their midfield.

Rising Talent With Record-Breaking History

Essugo first made headlines in 2021 when he became the youngest debutant in Sporting CP history, making his first senior appearance at just 16 years and 6 days old. Later that year, he also became the club’s youngest-ever starter, breaking a record previously held by Portuguese legend Luis Figo.

Before his loan spell in Spain, Essugo gained experience with Sporting B, the first team, and had a loan stint at Chaves, where he played 14 games in Portugal’s Primeira Liga.

A Future Star for Club and Country?

At the international level, Essugo has featured for Portugal’s youth teams, including the Under-21 side, where he made appearances during the March 2025 international window.

Chelsea are expected to integrate the talented midfielder into their long-term squad rebuilding strategy under the leadership of their technical team.