Chelsea midfielder open to loan move after initial promise to stay

To avoid paying high wages to players sitting in the stands, the Blues are desperately trying to trim the squad before deadline day. Outcasts like Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Filip Jorgensen, and David Datro Fofana are all heading toward the exit door.

But it may not stop there, as there’s also the opportunity to send players out on loan too.

Thoughts after another pre-season defeat under Xabi Alonso?🤔

Dario Essugo could be on his way out of Chelsea

Since arriving from Sporting CP in summer 2025, Dario Essugo’s Chelsea spell has been heavily disrupted by injuries, restricting him to just a handful of substitute appearances.

He’s finally built up precious minutes under Xabi Alonso this pre-season, starting and scoring in a 45-minute display against Western Sydney before featuring again against Tottenham.

However, a loan move may be on the cards.

According to Nizaar Kinsella, Dario Essugo was previously told he would be staying but is open to a loan move because of his need for regular football after an injury-hit campaign.

Why is Essugo not needed?

Well, Chelsea have already got the likes of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez as the guaranteed starting pair in midfield, which doesn’t even take Valentin Barco, Jordan Henderson or Romeo Lavia into consideration, so it’s not as if they’re short on options.

Essugo’s injury situation is also still a factor and he’s young, so there’s no need to risk him sitting on the bench wasting away when he could be gaining valuable experience at a loan club.

After all, it’s just domestic league and cup competitions this season for the Blues, so there’s no need for a bloated squad.