Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario has tipped soon-to-be Chelsea player Estevao Willian as a star of the future.
The Blues secured the teenager’s signature for €57m (including add-ons) back in June. Asked by journalist Ben Jacobs about the player’s potential, Ronaldo replied:
“He’s a young player and very talented. He’s kind of like Lamine Yamal. He will soon be a very big star in football. He’s very promising, and at just 17. I think he’ll play for Palmeiras at the Club World Cup then join Chelsea.”
Estevao will officially become a Blues player next year. He turns 18 in April and he will then seal his move when next summer’s transfer window opens.
Estevao’s performances in Brazil
The 17-year-old has impressed this season while playing for Palmeiras. He has scored 15 goals and provided 9 assists in 39 appearances.
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For someone of Estevao’s age, that is an extremely impressive return and Chelsea supporters are keenly anticipating his arrival at Stamford Bridge.
Of course, it is not fair to place too many expectations on someone who is still very young but the winger‘s potential is not in doubt. Whether Ronaldo is correct in terms of comparisons to Lamine Yamal, we shall have to wait and see.
He won’t be the only promising player joining Chelsea next summer
In addition to Estevao, Kendry Paez will also officially make the switch from Independiente de Valle in June. It is fair to say that the teenager has had a slightly tougher time of things this season.
Even though the Ecuadorian has made 38 appearances in all competitions for his club, there have been times where he has been left on the bench.
Paez is clearly a huge talent but, unlike Estevao, there are no guarantees that he will be ready to play for the first team straight away.
Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here