How Barcelona missed out on signing Sporting CP wonderkid who's now being tracked by Real Madrid

Barcelona wanted to strengthen their midfield ahead of the ongoing season and were on the verge of signing Dario Essugo from Sporting CP, according to SPORT. The move, however, collapsed due to Barca's demands, with the Portuguese teenager joining Las Palmas on a season-long loan instead.

Essugo has emerged as one of the most promising prospects in LaLiga this season, making eight appearances for Las Palmas. At just 19 years of age, he has shown considerable quality and has impressed with his displays in the middle of the park. However, he could have been a Cule if not for his failed move to Catalonia.

The report reveals one key detail that prompted Sporting CP to reject Barcelona's offer. The Catalans wanted to buy Essugo on loan with an option to buy him at the end of the season, but the Liga Portugal giants were reluctant to lose one of their jewels permanently.

It also turns out that Real Madrid are tracking the youngster and see him as someone with potential to add muscle to their midfield. Barca, with the emergence of Marc Casado, might not be interested in Essugo anymore. As it stands, Essugo is primed to return to Lisbon at the end of his loan spell at Las Palmas after acquiring some much-needed top-flight experience.

Essugo is the youngest player to ever make an appearance for the Sporting CP first team in the club's history. The Portugal U21 regular achieved the feat on March 20, 2021, at the age of 16 years and six days, coming on as a late substitute for Joao Mario in his team's 1-0 win over Vitoria de Guimaraes. Moreover, he's also the youngest Portuguese player to debut in the Champions League, doing so at the age of 16 years and 268 days.

Essugo will be keen to help Las Palmas win their fourth LaLiga game of the season and distance themselves from the relegation zone when they host Mallorca on Saturday, November 23.