Chelsea have completed the acquisition of Sporting Lisbon’s midfield talents Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo, with the combined transfer fees totaling around £62.4m, as confirmed by the Portuguese club.
Geovany Quenda, a 17-year-old winger, will make the move to Chelsea for a fee of up to £44m. However, he will remain with Sporting until the end of the 2025-26 season. This arrangement allows the young talent to continue his development in Portugal before heading to Stamford Bridge.
Quenda has quickly risen through the ranks at Sporting, making his senior team debut this season. His performances have earned him recognition, including an appearance in the Champions League last September.
Dario Essugo, a 20-year-old defensive midfielder, will transfer to Chelsea in the summer for a fee of £18.4m. His arrival will follow a loan spell with Spanish side Las Palmas, where he has gained valuable experience in La Liga.
While Essugo has impressed with his performances, his disciplinary record has raised concerns, with two red cards in his last four matches. Despite this, Chelsea are optimistic about his potential and see him as a strong addition to their squad.
The midfielder may also be part of Chelsea’s contingent for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place this summer in the United States.
Chelsea’s investment in Quenda and Essugo aligns with their ongoing strategy of acquiring young prospects. This summer, the club will also welcome Brazilian Estevao Willian and Ecuadorian Kendry Paez, both aged 17, as part of their growing roster of promising talents.
The Blues’ recruitment approach highlights their commitment to building for the future, blending emerging talent with established players to compete at the highest levels in European football.
