Chelsea Strips Player's Number, Hands Prestigious Digit to New Star Signing

In a clear indication of the team's strategic focus, Chelsea have allocated the No. 14 jersey to newcomer Dário Essugo, previously worn by João Félix during the last season.

The forward from Portugal had only secured a permanent position at Chelsea just under a year ago, finalizing a £45 million ($60.9 million) agreement with a contract extending to 2031. Within merely six months, manager Enzo Maresca had already begun phasing out Félix, who subsequently spent the latter half of the 2024–25 season on loan to AC Milan.

An impressive beginning at San Siro sparked premature comparisons to Brazilian legend Kaká, who had been a source of inspiration for Félix himself. The admiration was reciprocated. "I'm enjoying everything: the organization, the people, the facilities," the diminutive forward enthusiastically expressed in February.

"My family and I have been warmly welcomed and I want to be somewhere I feel valued. Football circumstances can shift, but if there's an opportunity to remain here, I would welcome it."

That opportunity has failed to materialize. Félix rapidly lost favor with Milan's then-manager, Sérgio Conceição, finding himself relegated to substitute status for crucial matches. The unpredictable 25-year-old concluded the season by scoring in consecutive league starts, though Milan's position in mid-table mediocrity had already been determined by then, with attention diverted to the Coppa Italia. Félix didn't feature in the starting lineup for any knockout stage matches in the competition, which ended with Milan suffering defeat to Bologna in the final.

Various media sources have reported that Milan is unwilling to convert Félix's loan into a permanent arrangement, yet Chelsea hasn't provided their expensive acquisition with a hospitable return by stripping him of his squad number. Félix has also been excluded from the club's roster for this month's Club World Cup, alongside several other prominent players including Raheem Sterling.

Essugo's transfer from Sporting CP was announced in March, shortly after Chelsea outmaneuvered Manchester United to acquire his fellow countryman and teammate Geovany Quenda. While Quenda will spend the 2025–26 season on loan in Lisbon, Essugo is anticipated to wear his No. 14 jersey at the Club World Cup. "It's a significant advancement in my early career," the defensive midfielder told his new club's internal media.

"Every player dreams of joining a prestigious club, and Chelsea certainly qualifies. It's an enormous organization and I'm feeling proud and extremely happy to be here. Chelsea demonstrated substantial interest in me. When that happens, it's impossible to decline. When my father informed me of Chelsea's interest, I was overjoyed and now here I am!"