Chelsea’s ambitious rebuilding project continues to take shape, with significant investment focused on securing promising young talent from Sporting Lisbon. As of today, , the London club has secured the services of Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo for a combined fee of approximately £62.4 million, according to announcements from Sporting.
The double signing, completed in stages, represents a long-term strategy by Chelsea to bolster their midfield options with players possessing considerable potential. Winger Geovany Quenda, 17, will officially join Chelsea, but will remain with Sporting Lisbon until the end of the season. The transfer fee for Quenda could reach up to £44 million. He has already made an impact at the senior level, even featuring in the Champions League in September.
Quenda’s creative abilities are highly regarded. Portuguese football journalist Mariana Fernandes described him as “a very creative player” with “a lot of potential to achieve.” Fernandes highlighted his dynamic attacking style, noting his ability to utilize both feet and his speed and intelligence in taking on defenders. He currently leads all teenagers in Europe’s top seven leagues with 48 chances created this season.
Dario Essugo, a 20-year-old defensive midfielder, will move to Stamford Bridge this summer following a loan spell with Las Palmas. Sporting announced his transfer fee as £18.4 million, while other reports indicate a €22 million (approximately £18.7 million) deal was finalized in recent hours. Essugo has been impressing in Spain, making 17 appearances in La Liga, but has also faced disciplinary issues, receiving two red cards in his last four games.
Essugo’s arrival could be timely for Chelsea, potentially allowing him to join Enzo Maresca’s squad for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this summer. The transfer was completed with a fixed fee of €22 million, according to A Bola.
These acquisitions are part of a broader trend at Chelsea, which has also confirmed moves for Brazilian Estevao Willian and Ecuadorian Kendry Paez, both also 17, who will join the club this summer. The club is clearly prioritizing the development of young players, building a foundation for future success.
Sporting Lisbon is also benefiting financially from these departures. A Bola reports that the club will generate €51 million from the sales of Quenda and Essugo. The Portuguese side has demonstrated an ability to develop talent and secure lucrative transfers, as evidenced by the deals with Chelsea.
Looking ahead to the season, Sporting will also see Marcus Edwards return from his loan spell at Burnley, and Biel return from Atlético-MG. However, they will be without Dário Essugo, who will be plying his trade in the Premier League. Several other players, including Koba Koindredi, Vladan Kovacevic, Sotiris Alexandropoulos, and Rodrigo Ribeiro, will also return from loan spells.
The transfer of Essugo to Chelsea was finalized in March 2025, with the player set to arrive at Stamford Bridge next season. This move continues Chelsea’s strategy of investing in young talent, and Essugo’s profile aligns well with the club’s evolving midfield structure. The club has been closely monitoring Essugo’s development, particularly his performances during his loan spell at Las Palmas.
Sporting CP has also been active in the transfer market, bringing in several new players for the season, including Luis Suárez, Fotis Ioannidis, Luís Guilherme, Georgios Vagiannidis, Souleymane Faye, Giorgi Kochorashvili, Rui Silva, Alisson Santos, Ricardo Mangas, and João Virgínia. These arrivals represent a total investment of €89.30 million, with an average age of 23.9.
