Chelsea take on West Ham tonight – but those at Stamford Bridge are still making time for recruitment.
The Blues can move back into the top four of the Premier League with victory over the Hammers – and fans could have a new signing to chat about on their way to Stamford Bridge.
There are also outgoings to be expected, with Joao Felix seemingly heading to AC Milan on loan, while Carney Chukwuemeka looks set to join Borussia Dortmund on loan too.
In regards to incomings, a story from Record in Portugal now states that Chelsea are close to signing Dario Essugo.
Chelsea set to sign Dario Essugo
The Portuguese news outlet now state that Chelsea are about to sign the Portugal U21 international in a deal worth just over €20m (£16m).
Essugo – aged 19 – has a €45m (£37m) release clause written into his contract with Sporting CP, which runs until June 2027, although Chelsea have managed to negotiate a fee far below this figure.
The teenager is currently on loan at Las Palmas from Sporting CP – although this deal is expected to be terminated in order for the central midfielder to move to Chelsea.
Essugo has made 16 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring one goal.
What Ruben Amorim has said about record breaking Dario Essugo
Chelsea have signed several top talents since Todd Boehly arrived in west London, such as Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Estevao Willian, and Essugo is another player of real star potential.
I really think you should watch this goal. Dário Essugo. Absolutely incredible. https://t.co/ySb9HWm67p
— Alex Gonçalves (@Aljeeves) May 29, 2022
The youngster remains the youngest player in the history of Sporting CP, with Ruben Amorim handing him a senior debut at the age of just 16 years and six days in a 1-0 win over Vitoria de Guimaraes back in March 2021.
Speaking about this moment, the 40-year-old, now in charge of Manchester United, said: “Obviously I liked it (the debut). He is 16 years old.
“He had little competition, but he performed well. It is also a message for young people. Everyone will have an opportunity. It is a message for the group to understand. This is the future of Sporting. We have to start now and Dario is another example.”
Dário Essugo was 11 years old when Portugal won Euro 2016.
Yesterday, he cried tears of happiness after becoming the youngest player in Sporting Clube de Portugal’s history at the age of 16 years, six days ❤️ pic.twitter.com/bRiS0uhQaO
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 21, 2021
Now, Essugo could soon be coming up against Amorim in the blue of Chelsea.
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