Chelsea are open to loan proposals for Dario Essugo.

The Blues have made the Portuguese youth international available for a temporary transfer for the 2026-27 campaign.

understands Chelsea have not made a concrete decision to loan him. Rather, they have alerted the market to Essugo’s availability to viable season-long loan proposals, as they look to put moving pieces into place to shrink the size of their first-team squad.

At this stage, it is viewed as likely that Essugo will indeed leave on loan.

The 21-year-old was an £18million signing from Sporting in Portugal last summer.

Essugo’s representatives are working on potential avenues for the midfielder, who will hope, whether at Stamford Bridge or elsewhere, for more game time than he has in an injury-disrupted campaign last season.

Essugo made his Chelsea debut during their triumphant Club World Cup campaign in the United States in the summer of 2025.

He also captained the side for the 3-3 draw against Johor Darul Ta'zim in pre-season, a decision that took the midfielder by surprise.

“It was a surprise to be captain, but for me, it was a pleasure,” said Essugo after the game.

“I didn't expect to be captain at this age for this big club, so for me it's just a pleasure, and I enjoyed it a lot. For me it means everything, because I didn't expect it.

“I feel like it's a message for me and for all the players, that it's not about the age, but maybe about your maturity, so it's about learning and staying positive.’

“I’m enjoying working with the manager. We mentioned it a lot in this pre-season, but he was a very good player.

“It was a surprise that he gave me the captaincy but I’m very happy. He's a very good person, so for me this is the most important thing.”