Dario Essugo completes Chelsea move

The midfielder, who spent last season on loan in La Liga with Las Palmas and is a Portugal Under-21 international, has signed a contract until 2033.  

Essugo began his career in Sporting’s academy and became the youngest-ever player to feature for the club when he made his senior debut aged 16 years and six days against Vitoria de Guimaraes in March 2021.

Later that year, he broke Luis Figo’s record as the youngest starter for Sporting, aged 16 years, 11 months and 17 days.

Having gained further experience with Sporting B and featuring on 23 occasions for the club’s first team, Essugo spent the second half of the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Primeira Liga side Chaves, for whom he made 14 appearances.

Two further outings for Sporting followed at the start of the 2024/25 season before Essugo completed a loan move to Las Palmas.

The 20-year-old established himself as a regular for the Spanish side, making 27 appearances and scoring one goal for Los Amarillos across all competitions.

On the international stage, Essugo has featured for Portugal at various age groups. His most recent caps have come with the Under-21s, with his last appearance coming during the March international break.

Welcome to Chelsea, Dario!