Chelsea’s future plans for Dario Essugo revealed

Chelsea are well prepared for the squad reshuffle next season after signing two rising stars from Sporting Lisbon. One of the players in the spotlight is young midfielder Dario Essugo. According to the latest news, the Blues plan to officially include him in the team in the summer of 2025, and may make him an important part of Enzo Maresca’s tactical system.

Transfer background: Chelsea’s big investment

Chelsea spent a total of 74.5 million euros (approx. 62.4 million pounds) to bring in Essugo and another talented player, Giovanni Quanda, from Sporting Lisbon. This deal not only shows the club’s ambition for the future, but also their huge investment in young players.

The situation with Koundé is slightly more complicated. Although he too was also being watched by giants such as Manchester United, he will continue to play for Sporting Lisbon next season and will not officially join Chelsea until the summer of 2026. The Blues paid a whopping 50.7 million euros (approx. 42.4 million pounds) for the player, plus a further 1.3 million euros (approx. 1 million pounds) in add-ons. In comparison, the transfer fee for Esugo was relatively low, at around 22.2 million euros (approx. 18.6 million pounds). However, this does not mean that his value is underestimated. On the contrary, Chelsea has high hopes for him.

Esugo’s current situation and potential

Currently, 20-year-old Essugo is playing in the Spanish Primera Division for Las Palmas on loan from Sporting Lisbon. This season, he has been performing well in the Spanish league, especially showing great talent in the defensive midfield position. His interception ability, consistent passing and overall vision on the field are all impressive, which is why Chelsea is eyeing him.

According to The Athletic, Chelsea believes that Ezugo has the ability to replace Moises Kean in the future. The latter has been Chelsea’s starting player this season, playing in all 29 Premier League games. Although Kean has been playing steadily, the Blues obviously want to build a more balanced and deep midfield lineup. Therefore, Ezugo’s arrival is seen as a strategic addition.

Chelsea’s plan: to keep or to continue to loan?

Although Essugo will not officially join Chelsea until the summer of 2025, the club is already planning his future development path. It is still uncertain whether the Blues will keep him in the team directly or choose to loan him out again to gain more practical experience. However, according to internal sources, Chelsea prefers to keep Essugo in the first team rather than arrange a new loan immediately.

The logic behind this decision is simple: Chelsea needs to increase the competitiveness of the midfield position. With the exception of Cescedo, the performances of the other midfielders have not fully met expectations. For example, Matis Amagou, who signed from Saint-Etienne for £12 million in January, has only made one appearance since joining Stamford Bridge and is expected to be loaned to Strasbourg this summer to continue his development. In this situation, the presence of Essugo is particularly important.

Why can Essugo be Cescedo’s substitute?

Technically, he has some similarities with Kessie, but also has his own unique strengths. As a defensive midfielder, he has excellent interception and steal awareness, and can effectively protect the back line. At the same time, his passing range is wide and accurate, and he can quickly transfer the ball to the attacking end to create opportunities for the team. These qualities make him not only an excellent sweeper, but also play a role in organizing the attack.

In addition, Ezequiel’s age is also a major advantage. As a young 20-year-old, he has a lot of room to grow. If he can be nurtured and honed at a top club like Chelsea, he has the potential to grow into a world-class midfielder. And Chelsea obviously hopes to cultivate him into one of the core members of the team through patient cultivation.

The long-term goals of the Blues

Chelsea has been actively introducing young talents in recent years in an attempt to rebuild the team and restore its former glory. The signing of Essugo is part of this strategy. At the same time, they are also trying to optimize the existing lineup and ensure that there is enough competition and depth in every position.

For Chelsea, signing Essugo is not just about filling a gap in the midfield, but also about building a sustainable future. As the veterans gradually fade from the stage, young players will become the backbone of the team. And players like Essugo, who are both talented and full of potential, are undoubtedly key to achieving this goal.

Conclusion

Overall, Chelsea’s plan for Dario Essugo shows the club’s clear planning and firm determination for the future. Whether it is as a substitute for Kessedo in the short term or growing into the core of the team in the long term, Essugo’s role is crucial. Fans can look forward to the young midfielder’s exciting performances for the Blues in the coming years.

For Essugo himself, this is undoubtedly an important opportunity to change his career. He needs to seize this opportunity and prove with his actions that he deserves Chelsea’s trust. If all goes well, he may soon become a new favorite at Stamford Bridge!