Chelsea Finalizes Double Acquisition of Sporting Lisbon Youngsters
Chelsea Football Club has officially secured the signings of Geovany Quenda and Dário Essugo from Sporting Lisbon, in a combined deal valued at approximately £62.5 million for the pair.
Agreements Confirmed by Sporting
The Portuguese club publicly announced the transfers late Wednesday night, confirming the details of each agreement. Quenda, a 17-year-old, will join the Blues for a fee just under £44 million. Essugo, aged 20, will move to Stamford Bridge for £18.5 million.
Loan Back Arrangements for Both Players
As part of the agreements, winger Quenda will remain with Sporting Lisbon on loan until the conclusion of the next season before commencing his Chelsea career. Essugo, a defensive midfielder, will also complete the current campaign on loan at La Liga side Las Palmas before joining up with Chelsea.
Continuing Youth Investment Strategy
These acquisitions underscore Chelsea’s ongoing strategy of investing in highly-rated young talent to bolster their squad for the future. This approach is further evidenced by the prior signings of Brazilian winger Estêvão Willian and Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Páez, both aged 17, who are set to join the club in the summer.
Quenda and Essugo Profiles
Geovany Quenda
- Versatile winger
- 17 years old
- Established first-team presence at Sporting Lisbon
- Made Champions League debut in September
- Scored first league goal in October against Famalicao
Dário Essugo
- Defensive midfielder
- 20 years old
- Impressed in a defensive midfield role
- Considered as potential backup for Moisés Caicedo
- Currently on loan at Las Palmas in La Liga
Essugo is anticipated to integrate with Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea squad in time to potentially participate in the Club World Cup tournament in the United States in June.