Chelsea Sign Young Portuguese Midfielder Essugo
Blues Add 20-Year-Old Star from Sporting Lisbon Ahead of Club World Cup

Chelsea Football Club have made a major statement in the transfer market by signing young Portuguese midfielder, Dario Essugo, from Sporting Lisbon for a whopping £18 million. This move has got fans in Nigeria and all over the world talking, especially as Essugo is set to join the Blues just in time for the FIFA Club World Cup taking place later this month in the United States.
The club made the announcement on Monday, with officials saying,
“We are delighted to welcome Dario Essugo to Stamford Bridge. His energy and potential will be a great asset to our team.”
Many supporters are already excited about what the 20-year-old can bring to the squad, as he is widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Portuguese football.
Essugo’s journey to Chelsea is a remarkable one. He made headlines in Portugal when he became the youngest player ever to play for Sporting Lisbon’s first team at just 16 years old. Since then, he has continued to develop his skills and gain valuable experience.

Last season, he was sent on loan to Spanish side Las Palmas, where he played regularly in La Liga. Even though Las Palmas were relegated, Essugo’s performances stood out, with many analysts praising his work rate, strength, and composure on the ball.
Speaking about his move to England, Essugo said,
“Playing in La Liga was a big challenge, but it helped me grow as a player. I am ready for the next step in my career with Chelsea.”
The young midfielder is expected to slot into Chelsea’s midfield, where he will compete with the likes of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Romeo Lavia for a place in the starting eleven.
With the Club World Cup fast approaching, Chelsea are hoping Essugo can make an immediate impact.
A club official told reporters, “Essugo’s arrival is perfectly timed. We believe he can help us achieve our goals at the Club World Cup and beyond.” The Blues are determined to make their mark at the global tournament and see Essugo as a player who can contribute both now and in the future.
But the transfer news doesn’t end there for Chelsea. In March, the club also agreed a deal to sign another Sporting Lisbon player, Geovany Quenda, for a massive £44 million.
However, Quenda will not join Chelsea immediately. Instead, he will remain with Sporting Lisbon until the end of the 2025/26 season before making the move to London. A club source described Quenda as, “another exciting talent. We are planning for the future and want to secure the best young players in Europe.”
Chelsea are also on the verge of signing Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap for £30 million. Reports from England say Delap has already completed his medical and agreed personal terms with the club.
According to a Chelsea insider, “Delap is a powerful striker with a lot of potential. We are confident he will add more firepower to our attack.” This shows that Chelsea are not just focusing on the midfield, but are also strengthening their attack as they prepare for a busy season ahead.
The club’s sporting director explained the thinking behind these signings, saying, “We are investing in youth and quality. Our goal is to compete at the highest level, not just in England, but in Europe and around the world.”
This strategy is already winning the hearts of many Chelsea fans, who believe the team is building a solid foundation for the future.
In Nigeria, where Chelsea have a huge following, the news of Essugo’s signing has been met with excitement and hope.
Many fans believe that with these new additions, the Blues will be able to challenge for more trophies and bring more glory to Stamford Bridge.
One passionate supporter said, “Chelsea is showing real ambition. With these young players, the future looks bright for the Blues!”
As the Club World Cup draws closer, all eyes will be on Essugo and the other new signings to see how they settle into the team. Chelsea supporters will be hoping that this new wave of talent can deliver success both in the short term and for many years to come.
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