Transfer News - Chelsea seal €23m deal for Dario Essugo; Spurs revive Tomori chase; Griezmann extends Atletico Madrid

With just 10 days left before the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off in Saudi Arabia, Europe's biggest clubs are racing to wrap up key deals in the summer transfer window. It’s been a frantic week in the market with Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Atletico Madrid all making major moves — both on and off the pitch.

Chelsea Sign Dario Essugo from Sporting in €23M Deal

Chelsea have completed the signing of Dário Essugo, one of Portugal’s most promising midfield talents, from Sporting CP for an initial fee of €23 million (£19.5m). The 20-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Las Palmas in La Liga, has signed a long-term contract running until June 2033.

In a move that underlines Chelsea’s continued investment in youth and future potential, the deal also includes fellow Portuguese talent Geovany Quenda, who will remain on loan at Sporting for the 2025/26 season. Including performance-related add-ons and loan arrangements, the total package is estimated at around €74.4 million (£62.8m).

Essugo, a holding midfielder with strength and composure beyond his years, broke onto the scene as Sporting's youngest-ever debutant at just 16 years and 6 days — surpassing club legend Luís Figo. He made 27 appearances with Las Palmas last season, scoring once, and is widely viewed as a future senior Portuguese international.

Chelsea are said to see Essugo as a long-term successor to Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández in the double pivot, especially with the Blues expected to trim their senior squad ahead of next season's Champions League campaign.

Spurs Reignite Pursuit of AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori

Tottenham Hotspur have revived their interest in Fikayo Tomori, preparing a fresh bid for the England international after seeing their January offer rejected. With AC Milan undergoing a managerial shift this summer, sources suggest Tomori has slipped down the pecking order behind Matteo Gabbia and new signing Strahinja Pavlović.

Tomori, 27, had opted to stay in Milan during Spurs’ winter injury crisis — which saw both Cristian Romero and Radu Drăgușin sidelined — but is now open to a move in pursuit of consistent minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup cycle.

Spurs’ technical director Johan Lange is understood to be considering Tomori as either a primary or fallback target depending on the progress of their simultaneous pursuit of Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace. Tottenham’s successful Europa League title run has added urgency to their defensive recruitment as they prepare to return to the Champions League next season.

Griezmann Extends Atletico Madrid Contract to 2027

Elsewhere, Antoine Griezmann has ended speculation about his future by signing a new contract with Atletico Madridthat keeps him at the Wanda Metropolitano until June 2027.

The 34-year-old Frenchman, who rejoined Atleti in 2021 after a high-profile stint at Barcelona, has enjoyed a resurgence under Diego Simeone, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer with over 180 goals. Last season, Griezmann tallied 22 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, leading the Rojiblancos to a top-three finish in La Liga and a deep run in the Champions League.

“Atleti is my home. I’ve made history here and I want to help the next generation do the same,” Griezmann said during the official signing ceremony.

Griezmann’s leadership and creative presence will be critical as Atleti look to mount a stronger domestic and European title challenge next season, while also eyeing glory at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.