Chelsea have officially announced the signing of highly-rated Portuguese midfielder Dário Essugo from Sporting CP, securing the 20-year-old on a long-term deal until 2033.

Essugo, once dubbed the future of Portuguese football, brings a blend of youth, top-flight experience, and raw potential to Stamford Bridge. A product of Sporting’s esteemed academy — which has produced the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Luis Figo — Essugo made headlines back in March 2021 when he became the youngest-ever player to feature for the club, making his debut aged just 16 years and six days.

Not stopping there, he went on to break a record previously held by Portuguese legend Luis Figo, becoming the youngest player to ever start a game for Sporting, cementing his status as one of the country’s brightest young prospects.

Essugo’s development has been carefully managed, including successive loan spells to gain first-team experience. He featured 14 times for Chaves in the Primeira Liga before impressing in La Liga with Las Palmas during the 2023/24 season. There, he made 27 appearances and scored his first senior goal — a campaign that saw him grow into a composed and dynamic midfielder in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.

At international level, Essugo has steadily progressed through Portugal’s youth ranks and is a current member of the U21 squad, having featured in the March 2025 internationals.

Chelsea fans can expect a strong, athletic presence in midfield, capable of breaking up play and driving the ball forward. With a clear eye for developing young talent, Enzo Maresca and the Chelsea board are continuing to build a squad for the future — and Dário Essugo looks to be a key part of that vision.

Welcome to Stamford Bridge, Dário Essugo!