The winger joins on loan from Chelsea FC

Sporting Clube de Portugal have signed Jesse Derry on loan from Chelsea FC for the 2026/27 season.

The 19-year-old English winger began his career as part of Crystal Palace's youth system before moving to Chelsea last summer. In his debut season for them, he excelled for the Under-21 and Under-19 teams, earning him the opportunity to debut for the first team in both the FA Cup and the Premier League.

Throughout the 2025/26 season, Derry played 33 games, scored 12 goals and provided four assists.

At the British Bar, a British-inspired pub located in Lisbon, the versatile attacker gave his first interview as a Sporting CP player.

"It's an incredible feeling. I'm really looking forward to getting out on the pitch and playing in front of all the fans. I can't wait to get started. My first reaction when I heard of Sporting CP’s interest, I was very excited,” he told the club’s media.

"When I think of Sporting CP, I think of players who wow the fans and young players. Coming here was a very easy decision. It means everything to be here. I know how much this club represents to Sportinguistas and I'm prepared to always give my best. I know that Sporting CP creates different kinds of players, capable of expressing themselves on the pitch. I feel it will be the perfect place for me," he underlined.

Accompanied by his family, Derry has already taken the opportunity to visit some of the most emblematic places in the Portuguese capital, but confesses to being anxious to join up with his new team.

"I feel very good. It's a new city and, in these first few days, I've been taking advantage of the opportunity to start exploring it. I'm also eager to start working with all the players and the coach.”

“I like to excite the fans, express myself, and score goals. There's always room for improvement. I hope playing in front of the fans here will help me evolve week after week. I can't wait,” he added.

"I decided to come to Sporting CP to try and help the club win trophies. I know that's the main ambition here and that's what I want to do too. I can't wait to get out there at the stadium. I've heard incredible things about the Estádio José Alvalade and it will certainly be a surreal feeling when I step onto the pitch for the first time.”

"I'm excited about everything. I've already been told I'll be taking Portuguese lessons so I can communicate as best as possible with the fans and the players. I can't wait to get on the pitch and see everybody,” he concluded.

 

PLAYER STATS

Name: Jesse Shaun Derry
Date of Birth: 30/06/2007 (19 years old)
Nationality: English
Position: Winger
Previous clubs: Crystal Palace FC and Chelsea FC
International for England at youth level