Chelsea Nearing Transfer for Sporting's Dário Essugo

Chelsea is reportedly close to securing a transfer for 19-year-old midfielder Dário Essugo from Sporting Lisbon. Currently on loan at Las Palmas, Essugo has been making a mark with his performances. However, the young star has expressed concerns about joining Chelsea’s squad, as many emerging players have struggled with first-team opportunities.

Essugo’s situation mirrors that of other young talents, like Eli Junior Kroupi, who chose Bournemouth over Chelsea, and Aaron Anselmino, who rejected a loan to Strasbourg to avoid constant moves. Chelsea hopes to address Essugo's concerns and offer him a pathway to regular playing time to finalize the deal.

Essugo is only interested in joining if he can secure a place in the squad—a growing concern for young talents pursued by the London club. Striker Eli Junior Kroupi, 18, opted for Bournemouth over Chelsea last week after leaving French club Lorient.

Similarly, 19-year-old Argentinian center-back Aaron Anselmino from Chelsea declined a loan to Strasbourg, expressing his reluctance to be moved around.

Essugo joined Sporting in 2014 at just nine years old. After spending eight years in the youth ranks of the Lisbon giants, the defensive midfielder received a senior call-up. The Portugal Under-21 international has divided his time between the first team and the B team, leading to recent loan spells at Chaves and Las Palmas.

So far this season, Essugo has scored one goal in 14 appearances for the LaLiga side.