Chelsea has scooped up Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo from Sporting CP for a combined fee of around £62.5 million, of which £43.5m is for the former. It includes £1.2 m in possible performance-based bonuses during next season.
The Blues is also shouldering half the solidarity payments that are due to clubs where Quenda spent time during his development. The Portuguese footballer will spend the next season at Sporting and will join Chelsea at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season
Chelsea is paying a fee of £18.5 m for Essugo, 20, a similar solidarity payment scheme but without the additional bonuses. He will join the Blues this summer and could play the inaugural Fifa Club World Cup. Essugo could act as a back-up for Moises Caicedo at Chelsea.
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Enzo Maresca Roped in Geovany Quenda to Chelsea
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is said to have snatched Geovany Quenda from right under Man Utd’s nose. The rival club had been monitoring the 17-year-old and there was a potential move on the cards. But Manchester United hesitated because of financial constraints and was uncertain about Quenda’s long-term role.
Moreover, word is that Chelsea orchestrated a secret blitz at Sporting, and made sure that Quenda was committed to their proposal and not enticed by the Red Devils. And Maresca’s personal involvement in the negotiations roped him in. He spoke directly with the youngster and gave reassurance about his future at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca also urged Quenda to keep evolving, learning, and improving his game. He encouraged him saying that Chelsea sees him as a crucial part of their long-term vision.
