Chelsea have bolstered their squad with the signings of Geovany Quenda and Dário Essugo from Sporting CP in a deal worth approximately £62.5 million. The Portuguese club confirmed the transfers, with 17-year-old Quenda joining for just under £44 million and Essugo arriving for £18.5 million.
As part of the agreement, Quenda will remain with Sporting for the 2025-26 season before making the switch to Stamford Bridge. Essugo, meanwhile, is completing the current campaign on loan at La Liga side Las Palmas but is expected to arrive in London this summer. The defensive midfielder could even play a role in the Club World Cup in the United States, where Chelsea will be participating.
Quenda, a versatile winger, has gained prominence at Sporting, making his Champions League debut earlier this season and netting his first league goal against Famalicao in October. He was previously linked with a move to Manchester United, where his former manager, Ruben Amorim, is reportedly a managerial target. Chelsea, however, have secured his services as part of their ongoing strategy of signing highly rated young players.
Essugo, a 20-year-old holding midfielder, has shown promise in a defensive role and could serve as a backup to Moisés Caicedo at Chelsea. His performances in La Liga have drawn attention, though he has also demonstrated a combative streak, receiving two red cards in his last four appearances for Las Palmas. Despite this, he is expected to bring added depth to Chelsea’s midfield and provide competition for places upon his arrival.
These latest acquisitions align with Chelsea’s long-term approach to squad-building, which has seen them invest in promising young talent. The club has already secured deals for Brazilian teenager Estêvão Willian and Ecuadorian starlet Kendry Páez, both 17, as part of their effort to future-proof the squad with emerging prospects from across the globe.
Quenda’s ability to play across the frontline will give Chelsea additional options in attack when he arrives, while Essugo’s defensive qualities could strengthen their midfield depth. Chelsea’s recruitment policy in recent years has focused on bringing in some of the world’s most promising young players, a trend that continues with these latest signings.
The Club World Cup, set to take place in June, could provide Essugo with an early opportunity to make an impression. While Chelsea will look to integrate their young players gradually, the tournament could offer a platform for him to adapt to his new teammates and surroundings before the start of the 2025-26 season.
With these additions, Chelsea are not only investing in the present but also laying the groundwork for future success. Their emphasis on youth development and long-term planning is evident in their latest moves, and fans will be eager to see how these signings progress as they transition to life in the Premier League.
