'Monitoring him for two years': Fabrizio Romano says how Chelsea actually view Dario Essugo behind the scenes

Yesterday at 04:15 AM

Chelsea are already making strides in the transfer market despite there being months left for the summer window to officially begin — having made moves to sign Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo.

It seems like Chelsea have no plans to steer clear from their transfer policy of signing some of the most exciting youngsters playing in Europe — with Quenda just being just 17 and Essugo being 20 as well.

The Blues have agreed a deal worth £18.5 million (BBC Sport) to sign the latter from Sporting CP, who has spent the ongoing season on loan at Las Palmas.

This season, Essugo has gained some much-needed experience in La Liga, starting 17 games for the Spanish side.

In all of his starts, the Portuguese wonderkid has played in defensive midfield, which is his natural position.

Chelsea think Dario Essugo is “really talented”

But the question is how highly Chelsea rate Essugo.

Ultimately, a player who possesses the youngster’s profile could especially be useful as he could provide much-needed cover for Moises Caicedo.

The good news for Chelsea fans is that Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Chelsea are huge admirers of Essugo’s talent and have been monitoring him for two years.

“Chelsea see him as a really talented player. They’ve been monitoring him for two years. They consider Essugo as one of the best talents in his position, midfielder and he’s a player who can run, a player who can win the ball, he’s a fighter, big physical structure so he can be the perfect cover for Moises Caicedo next season.”

Which player is Dario Essugo most similar to?

Essugo is still a relatively unknown commodity in English football but Chelsea seem to believe he is the real deal.

But even so, the Stamford Bridge faithful would perhaps like to discover what kind of a player he is.

Scout Jacek Kulig has compared Essugo to Thomas Partey and William Carvalho.

Kulig went on to highlight the highly-rated midfielder’s strengths, claiming that he is the “modern holding midfielder” who “imposes himself on the pitch with his tireless running, work rate, and strength.”

Essugo’s comfortability in possession, ability to help a team build out from the back with ease and leadership were also heralded.

It seems like Chelsea have signed a gem but only time will tell whether he is ready for Premier League football next season.