Chelsea Close to Signing Dario Essugo, but Midfielder Sets Key Demand

Chelsea are close to signing 19-year-old Dario Essugo from Sporting CP, following his impressive loan spell at Las Palmas, where he has started 14 La Liga games. Essugo, Sporting youngest-ever debutant at 16, also set a Champions League record. However, the midfielder will only join Chelsea if guaranteed a senior squad role.

During the 2024/25 season, Chelsea are reportedly close to securing the signing of 19-year-old Sporting CP midfielder Dario Essugo. The Portuguese wonderkid, currently on loan at Las Palmas, has impressed with 14 La Liga starts this campaign, boosting his reputation. Essugo made history in March 2021 when he became Sporting's youngest-ever debutant at 16 years and 16 days against Vitoria de Guimaraes.

Later that year, he set another record as Portugal’s youngest player in the Champions League, featuring against Ajax. In February 2022, he surpassed Luis Figo as Sporting’s youngest starter at 16 years, 11 months, and 17 days. Despite these milestones, Essugo struggled for regular minutes at Sporting and had loan spells at Chaves and Las Palmas. Chelsea now seek to capitalize on his development, with The Sun reporting that a deal is near completion.

However, a key condition remains—Essugo is only interested in joining if guaranteed a place in the first team, a recurring issue for young prospects targeted by the Blues. As Chelsea look to strengthen their midfield, securing Essugo’s signature could add long-term depth, but they must assure him of meaningful senior opportunities to finalize the move.