Chelsea’s Transfer Spree Continues: Second Portuguese Star Deal Confirmed
Chelsea have officially secured a deal for a second Portuguese talent following their agreement to sign Geovany Quenda. The Blues’ transfer strategy continues to focus on acquiring young talent with immense potential.
Chelsea have reached an agreement with Sporting CP for 17-year-old starlet Quenda in a transfer potentially worth up to £40 million. The youngster, who had attracted significant interest from Manchester United, is set to remain at Sporting next season before making his move to Stamford Bridge in summer 2026. He’s expected to sign an impressive seven-year contract with an option for an additional year.
However, the recruitment drive doesn’t stop there. Chelsea have confirmed another deal with Sporting CP for midfielder Dario Essugo, currently on loan at Las Palmas. According to CNN Portugal, the 20-year-old will join the Blues at the conclusion of this season in a transfer worth approximately £19 million. Like Quenda, Essugo is expected to commit to a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Essugo has been developing his skills in La Liga this season, making 17 appearances for Las Palmas and finding the net once. This experience in one of Europe’s top leagues should provide valuable preparation for the demands of Premier League football.
Portuguese Talent Pipeline: The New Chelsea Strategy
Chelsea’s recruitment of these Portuguese youngsters highlights their focus on building for the future. Notably, Quenda has drawn comparisons to Arsenal star Bukayo Saka from his former Sporting youth coach Fabio Roque:
- Committed in defensive situations and duels
- Covers extensive ground on the field
- Self-demanding in defensive responsibilities
- Ability to recover quickly and win defensive battles
“He is different from any other player I trained,” Roque stated. “He can create a mark on football that is totally different. We are talking about, with Lamine Yamal and Estevao Willian [set to join Chelsea in summer 2025], probably the best players in that generation born in 2007.”
Both Quenda and Essugo developed under Ruben Amorim’s system at Sporting, providing them with tactical versatility that could prove invaluable in the Premier League.
| Player | Age | Transfer Fee | Contract Length | Joining Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geovany Quenda | 17 | Up to £40 million | 7 years (+1 option) | Summer 2026 |
| Dario Essugo | 20 | £19 million | 7 years | Summer 2025 |
These acquisitions represent Chelsea’s continued commitment to their long-term project of acquiring young talents with high ceilings. The club appears to be creating a Portuguese talent pipeline, potentially leveraging connections and scouting networks in the region to identify promising prospects before they become household names.
With Estevao Willian also set to join in 2025, Chelsea’s future attacking options look increasingly formidable. The club’s strategy of securing long-term contracts for these young talents demonstrates their confidence in the players’ development trajectories.
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