Chelsea have officially confirmed the permanent signing of highly-rated Portuguese midfielder Dúm Esugo, with the 20-year-old putting pen to paper on a long-term deal that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2033.
The transfer, initially agreed upon in March 2025, saw Chelsea pay around €22.27 million to Sporting CP for the young talent. Since the deal was struck, Esugo remained on loan at La Liga side Las Palmas, where he completed the season to gain more top-level experience.
With his loan spell now concluded, Esugo is set to link up with the Chelsea first team and will travel with the squad to the FIFA Club World Cup later this summer. He is expected to serve as a rotational option and backup for first-choice defensive midfielder Moisés Caicedo.
A Record-Breaking Start to a Promising Career
Esugo’s meteoric rise began at Sporting CP, where he quickly earned attention as a teenage sensation. He made his professional debut in March 2021 at just 16 years and 6 days old, becoming the youngest-ever player to appear for Sporting’s senior team. Later that same year, he broke another record by becoming the club’s youngest-ever starter, surpassing the legendary Luís Figo.
Over the next few seasons, he featured for both Sporting’s first team and B team, notching 23 senior appearances. In the second half of the 2023/24 season, Esugo was loaned to Portuguese top-flight side Chaves, making 14 appearances and continuing his steady development. He then moved to Las Palmas on loan, playing 27 matches across all competitions and scoring one goal during the 2024/25 campaign.
Chelsea’s Long-Term Vision
Chelsea’s acquisition of Esugo aligns with the club’s ongoing strategy to build a squad of young, high-potential talents from across the globe. The Blues believe that Esugo has the maturity, technical ability, and mindset to thrive in the Premier League under the guidance of the current coaching setup.
A club spokesperson commented:
“Dúm is a player we’ve tracked closely for some time. His composure, tactical intelligence, and work ethic stood out in every environment he played in. We’re delighted to welcome him to Chelsea, and we’re excited about what he can offer in the years ahead.”
Esugo’s first assignment in a Chelsea shirt could come sooner rather than later. He’s set to be part of the squad travelling to the FIFA Club World Cup, where the Blues will compete against elite clubs from around the world. While he’s not expected to start immediately, insiders suggest he will be groomed as a key depth option behind Caicedo. They could even see minutes off the bench, depending on the team’s rotation and tactical needs.
For Chelsea fans, the signing of Dúm Esugo is a promising glimpse into the future. A player who made headlines at 16, broke historic records, and has already tested himself in Portugal and Spain, now sets his sights on conquering English football.
