Chelsea confirm first summer signing – with another soon set to follow | OneFootball

Chelsea have announced the signing of midfielder Dario Essugo from Sporting CP.

The 20-year-old has signed a deal with the Blues until 2033 having spent last season on loan at La Liga club Las Palmas.

He made 27 appearances for the Spanish club last season and is also a Portugal under-21 international.

The combative midfielder graduated from Sporting’s academy and became the youngest ever player to play for the club when he made his debut at the age of 16 years and six days.

He has also spent time out on loan at Portuguese side Chaves in 2024.

Essugo becomes Chelsea’s first summer signing, and is expected to be followed by the addition of striker Liam Delap from Ipswich.

Chelsea are also expected to sign Essugo’s Sporting team-mate Geovany Quenda, who is set to join the club in 2026.

Essugo’s style of play

Essugo is a ball-winning midfielder who would likely do a similar role to the one played by Moises Caicedo.

He is athletic, hard-working and strong in duels and also has the potential to impact the game further forward too.

His decision making still has to improve and the Premier League will be a step up in quality but he certainly looks promising.