Chelsea Football Club has officially announced the signing of Portuguese midfielder Dario Essugo from Sporting Lisbon in a deal valued at £18 million ($25 million). The 20-year-old player, who spent the previous season on loan at Spanish side Las Palmas, will be available to join the Blues at the upcoming Club World Cup later this month.

Essugo, a product of Sporting’s renowned academy, made history as the youngest player to feature for the club’s first team at just 16 years old in March 2021. His remarkable achievement has positioned him as one of the brightest young talents in Portuguese football.

The transfer deal, which was initially agreed upon earlier in March, also includes a move for fellow Sporting player Geovany Quenda. Quenda will remain with Sporting until the conclusion of the 2025/26 season before making his £44 million move to Chelsea.

In addition to these key signings, Chelsea is looking to further strengthen their squad. The club is in the final stages of negotiations for Ipswich striker Liam Delap, with a £30 million deal expected to be completed in the coming days.

With the Club World Cup just around the corner, Essugo’s arrival offers Chelsea manager a valuable new asset as they aim for glory in the prestigious competition. The Blues are continuing to bolster their ranks in preparation for the new season, with significant attention placed on both youth and experience as they aim to compete at the highest level.