In recent hours, it has been confirmed that Dário Essugo will join Chelsea starting June 30, after finishing the season at Las Palmas. Sporting de Portugal has agreed with Chelsea on a transfer of 20 million euros (16.6 million pounds).
This figure reflects Essugo's high valuation in the market, as one of the most promising talents in his position. During these months, Essugo will continue in the Liga SmartBank, where his performance will be key for his team's stay in LaLiga.
The Interest of Major Clubs: Barcelona Falls Behind
FC Barcelona had shown interest in signing Essugo, seeing in him an opportunity to strengthen their midfield alongside Pedri. The young Portuguese was seen as the ideal partner for Pedri, a player with defensive characteristics complementary to the Spanish player's style.
Essugo's tactical intelligence and his ability to recover balls would be a perfect support for Pedri's creative talent. However, despite negotiations, the Catalan club has not managed to get ahead of its competitors. Chelsea has taken the lead and closed the signing, leaving Barcelona without their target.
Why Chelsea?
Chelsea has been the club that managed to close the deal with Sporting de Portugal, a club with a great history in developing young footballers. The English team, despite its recent ups and downs, has focused on signing young players with great potential for the future.
Essugo, at only 18 years old, is a player who fits perfectly into Chelsea's philosophy, which seeks to build a competitive squad in the long term. In the Premier League, Essugo will be able to continue developing his potential alongside internationally renowned players, which will allow him to grow even more as a footballer. The presence of high-level coaches like Graham Potter could be key in his adaptation and evolution.
Las Palmas and the Future of Their Midfield
Although Essugo's departure in June seems inevitable, Las Palmas still has time to take advantage of his quality. With the season at its most critical point, Essugo's presence can be crucial for the team led by Diego Martínez. The Canary club can still count on him in their fight to avoid relegation, as his departure will not materialize until the end of the campaign.
However, the sports management of Las Palmas, led by Luis Helguera, is already looking for a replacement for a key player on the team. Essugo's departure could leave a significant void, but the club has time to find an alternative that allows them to maintain competitiveness in the second half of the season.