Leeds United is on the lookout for a young Portuguese starlet, who is proving a hit in Spain, and he is on Leeds United’s shopping list this month. A defensive midfielder, Dario Essugo, a player highly rated and now on loan at La Liga side Las Palmas from Sporting CP, has seen the 23-year-old fast becoming a player in demand. Essugo could be the missing piece in Daniel Farke’s midfield puzzle as Leeds prepare for their push towards promotion in the Championship.
Who is Dario Essugo?
You might also be wondering right now, ‘Who is this Dario Essugo, and why is everyone keen on signing him?’ Good question! The 19-year-old prodigy has been nothing short of spectacular since being loaned to Las Palmas, starting all 12 of his contests and scoring a goal while at it. His performances have only reinforced his reputation as one of Portugalโs brightest young talents, with comparisons drawn up with some of the best in the game.
Why Leeds United Want Dario Essugo
However, why is Leeds United so keen to sign his services? Itโs simple: they need him. They are all aware that signing quality is a must if theyโre to get promoted to the Premier League. Essugo has just the attributes they need: ball-winning ability, composure, and reading the game really, really well. But Leeds will be hoping these qualities can keep them on track and lead to further promotion from the start.
The Competition: Chelsea and Other Premier League Giants
Hereโs where it gets interesting. Essugo isnโt the only transfer target of Leeds. Football journalist Alan Nixon says Premier League giants like Chelsea are also circling. And who can blame them? Thereโs something about Essugoโs type of talent that even the biggest names and most high-profile clubs become interested in. Leeds are going to find it a tough one. Portugal’s club wants a loan-to-buy proposal, something that would beat off Chelsea and other clubs, to put the 19-year-old through ahead of a bidding war for his signature.
Leedsโ Previous Attempt at Signing Dario Essugo
And donโt be writing off Leeds just yet. Theyโve gone after Essugo before; this isnโt their first time. The Championship side moved to sign him in the summer, but Sporting CP instead signed him up for Las Palmas in preparation for the step up. Leeds is now ready to pounce again with his stock soaring.
Sporting CPโs Position on the Transfer
It will not be easy for Sporting to part with Essugo. He remains under contract until 2027, and heโs a prized asset. Theyโll be amicable about the break but make a big ask for it. Luckily for Leeds, they are in a good position financially. Manager Daniel Farke already confirmed that he will receive funds for the January transfer window; therefore, a deal is likely.
Why Dario Essugo is the Missing Piece for Leeds United
With Leeds United sitting second in the Championship, they sit in prime position to win promotion to the Premier League. However, every football fan knows that a strong second half of the season is necessary. Essugo is a player they could be counting on to get over the line. It is easy to fantasize about a time when Leeds somehow snaps up Essugo, but thereโs a lot of work to do to achieve that. This would be a humongous coup for Leeds if they can overtake the Premier League giants and make this transfer happen.
A Personal Take: An Underdog Story
And as someone who loves the game, if I was being honest, this particular transfer saga has all the hallmarks of a classic underdog story. Can Leeds put out their championship-winning aspirations and compete with Chelsea and other European giants for a young prodigy like Essugo? David versus Goliath, but this time Goliath is a Premier League giant and David is a Championship power heading in the right direction. Personally, Iโd like Leeds to do this. Not only would it fill out their midfield, but it would give a slightly less orthodox touch to their squad, something that is rare these days. But, hopefully, theyโve got enough tricks up their sleeves to get one over on the bigger clubs.
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