Chelsea have secured the signing of highly-rated Portuguese midfielder Dario Essugo from Sporting Lisbon, tying the 20-year-old to a long-term contract that runs until 2033.
The deal underlines the Blues’ continued investment in emerging talent, with Essugo regarded as one of the most promising players to come through Sporting’s famed academy in recent years.
Background and heritage
Born in March 2005 in Odivelas, a suburb of Lisbon, Essugo has Angolan heritage and has represented Portugal at every youth level, from U15s to U21s.
Breaking records at Sporting
Essugo made headlines in 2021 when, at just 16 years and six days old, he became the youngest player ever to appear for Sporting’s senior team.
Later that year, he broke another record—previously held by Luis Figo—by becoming the youngest player to start a match for the club, aged 16 years, 11 months and 17 days.
Versatility and European experience
Primarily deployed as a holding midfielder, Essugo is also capable of performing in a box-to-box role.
He has featured in the Champions League, Europa League, and UEFA Youth League for Sporting, gaining valuable experience on the European stage.
Loan spells in Portugal and Spain
To further his development, Essugo spent the latter half of the 2023/24 season on loan at Chaves in the Portuguese top flight, making 14 appearances. He then gained La Liga experience during the 2024/25 campaign with Las Palmas, continuing his growth in one of Europe’s top leagues.
What’s next for Essugo at Chelsea?
Having committed to Stamford Bridge for the next eight years, Essugo joins a youthful project under Chelsea’s evolving strategy.
With elite European experience and significant youth international pedigree, he arrives as a player to watch in the coming seasons.
