Done deal: Chelsea sign record-breaking midfielder born in Lisbon with African roots

Chelsea have completed the signing of Portuguese youth international Dario Essugo from Sporting CP, with the deal officially revealed on the club’s website on Monday evening.

The Lisbon-born holding midfielder, who is of Angola descent, joins the Blues on a long-term contract that runs until 2033. 

The 20-year-old arrives at Stamford Bridge following a season of steady progress, which included a successful loan spell in La Liga with Las Palmas.

Essugo is widely regarded as one of the most promising midfielders to emerge from Portugal in recent years. 

A product of Sporting’s renowned academy, he made history in March 2021 when he became the youngest-ever player to feature for the club’s senior team, making his debut at just 16 years and six days old against Vitoria de Guimaraes.

Later that year, he broke another record by becoming the youngest starter in Sporting’s history, surpassing the previous mark held by club legend Luis Figo.

After gaining further experience with Sporting B and making 23 senior appearances for the first team, Essugo was loaned to Primeira Liga side Chaves for the second half of the 2023/24 season, where he featured 14 times. 

He returned briefly to Sporting before sealing another loan move, this time to Spain with Las Palmas, where he made 27 appearances and scored once across all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign.

On the international stage, Essugo has represented Portugal across various age levels and is a regular with the Under-21 side, last appearing during the March international break.

Wale Adejumo

Photo Credit: chelseafc.com