Chelsea are edging closer to landing Portuguese midfield prodigy Dario Essugo from Sporting CP, but a crucial hurdle remains before they can seal the deal. According to The Sun, the Blues are keen to finalise the transfer swiftly, yet they must first address a key issue regarding Essugo’s immediate future at the club.
The 19-year-old has been on Chelsea’s radar for some time, with the club eager to bolster their midfield with young, high-potential talents. However, Chelsea’s recent strategy of acquiring promising players from abroad—particularly from Portugal and South America—has hit roadblocks, as many of these recruits have struggled to secure a spot in the first team and have instead been sent on loan or sold.
The Loan Dilemma Holding Up the Move
One of the biggest sticking points in negotiations is Essugo’s demand for first-team inclusion. Chelsea’s model of sending young talents on loan—often to their sister club, RC Strasbourg—has not been well received by some targets. Recent examples include Eli Junior Kroupi, who opted for Bournemouth over a potential Chelsea move, and Aaron Anselmino, who rejected a transfer after learning he would be loaned out.
Essugo, currently on loan at La Liga side Las Palmas, has impressed with his performances, making him an attractive prospect for Chelsea. However, the teenager is firm in his stance—he wants a role in Enzo Maresca’s first team and is unwilling to go on loan elsewhere. This presents Chelsea with a tough decision: do they make room in an already crowded midfield, or risk losing the deal to a rival club?
Can Chelsea Get It Over the Line?
Chelsea are reportedly working on a deal for Essugo that would see them pay significantly less than his release clause, but the biggest challenge isn’t the fee—it’s ensuring they can accommodate him in the squad. With Maresca looking to shape his ideal midfield setup, a reshuffle may be necessary to bring the Sporting CP starlet into the fold.
Despite this obstacle, Chelsea remain confident that they can iron out the details and bring Essugo to Stamford Bridge next summer. Whether they can guarantee him first-team minutes, however, could ultimately decide if the deal crosses the finish line or falls apart at the last moment.