Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian from Palmeiras. After weeks of negotiations, The Blues finally reached an agreement on a fee with the Brazilian club, and the initial fee will be around £29 million rising to around £40 million in add-ons.
Chelsea continue their investment in South-American talents this summer after sealing deals for talents like Angelo Gabriel, Andre Santos, and Kendry Paez last summer.
Football experts have described Estevao as a generational talent in Brazil, alongside Real Madrid-bound Endrick. Estevao’s dribbling style resembles that of Lionel Messi, and that has earned a nickname in Brazil – “Messinho”.
Chelsea sporting directors worked on the deal to secure Estevao’s signature for at least 6 months, amidst competition from other European clubs like PSG and Bayern Munich.
Estevao will remain at Palmeiras till at least 2025, before joining up with the Blues ahead of the 2025/26 season, Kendry Paez will also join up with Chelsea at the same time.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the blues have no intention of loaning out either Estevao or Kendry Paez. Both youngsters will be part of Chelsea’s first team plans from 2025/26 season.
The deal for the young Brazilian kicks off what should be a busy summer at Chelsea. The Blues will focus on outgoings first before the end of June, and then July will be for new signings. The club will continue to work on building a squad that can challenge for the Premier League trophy soon.
