Sporting CP signs duo as plans to strengthen squad continues

Sporting CP have announced the signing of promising young winger Jesse Derry and Ibrahima Ba. 

Both players completed a move to the Portuguese club from Chelsea and Famalicão, respectively, for the 2026-27 campaign. 

Derry, 19 years old, who recently signed a new long-term contract with the Blues, will spend the season with the Lisbon side. 

While Ibrahima Ba joined from fellow league side Famalicão for a €20 m fee plus 20% sell-on clause.

Sporting finished second in the Primeira Liga last term and advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals. 

With the coming campaign on the horizon, Sporting CP will look to aim high once again with the signing of Derry to the Portuguese capital, deemed an excellent destination to develop.

Derry joined Chelsea from Crystal Palace last year and quickly impressed with the club’s under-21 team. 

His strong performances earned him first-team opportunities, including two FA Cup appearances and one Premier League outing. 

In his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest, the winger started brightly in the first half before being forced off with a head injury. 

Despite the early exit, he made a notable impact and became the third-youngest Chelsea player to win a penalty in the Premier League, after Robert Huth and Estevao.

Sporting CP officially announced the signing, highlighting Derry’s potential and versatility as a winger. 

The youngster expressed great excitement about the opportunity. He told the club’s media that it was an incredible feeling and that he was really looking forward to getting on the pitch and playing in front of the fans. He added that he could not wait to get started.

Derry emphasised the significance of the move, stating that it meant everything to him. He acknowledged how much the club represented to Sporting fans and confirmed he was prepared to always give his best. 

He also noted that Sporting CP was known for developing players who could freely express themselves on the field, and he felt it would be the perfect environment for his growth.

The loan deal is expected to provide Derry with regular first-team football and valuable experience in a competitive European league, further preparing him for a future role at Chelsea.

As for Ba, the center back was all but ready to join Strasbourg but didn’t pass the medical. Now ready for Sporting as a replacement for Ousmane Diomande,, who looks set to complete a move to English Premier League side Nottingham Forest.