Chelsea Snap Up Portuguese Starlet Dário Essugo on Long-Term Deal

Chelsea have officially announced the signing of highly-rated Portuguese midfielder Dário Essugo from Sporting CP, in a move that underlines the club’s continued investment in young talent.

The 20-year-old, who spent last season on loan at La Liga side Las Palmas, has penned a stunning long-term contract until 2033 — a bold statement of faith in his potential by the Stamford Bridge hierarchy.

Essugo rose through the ranks at Sporting’s famed academy and made headlines when he became the club’s youngest-ever debutant at just 16 years and six days, coming on in a league clash against Vitoria de Guimaraes in March 2021.

Since then, his career trajectory has been on a steady rise. After impressing with Sporting B and making 23 senior appearances for the Portuguese giants, he gained valuable first-team experience on loan — first with Chaves in the Primeira Liga and later in Spain with Las Palmas, where he made 27 appearances and scored once in the 2023/24 season.

🇵🇹 A Portugal U21 international, Essugo is known for his physicality, tactical maturity, and strong defensive instincts, despite his young age. He’s widely tipped to develop into a modern midfield enforcer — something Chelsea have lacked consistency in over recent years.

Opinion:
In an era where clubs often chase immediate impact, Chelsea’s decision to hand Essugo a contract till 2033 shows a shift in strategy — a return to nurturing talent with a long-term vision. With Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo already in the mix, Essugo’s arrival adds depth and competition in the middle of the park. Don’t be surprised if he grows into a cornerstone of Chelsea’s midfield in the coming years.

👀 One for the future? Absolutely. One to watch now? Maybe sooner than you think.

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