Chelsea are happy with Estevao Willian’s start to life at Stamford Bridge, and have a long-term view for him to change position, TBR Football understands.
Estevao joined Chelsea during the summer for £29million, and the teenager has wasted no time forcing his way into the first team.
The 18-year-old celebrated his first goal for the Blues with a dramatic last-minute winner against Liverpool before the international break, and now John Terry is pushing for him to start against Nottingham Forest.
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Estevao has been the season’s surprise package for many people in the Premier League, but those within Chelsea are not shocked by how the Brazilian is performing.
Exclusive: Chelsea view Estevao Willian as one of the ‘best in the world’
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has exclusively revealed that Chelsea always had intentions of using Estevao this season, and are already making long-term plans for his future.
He said: “Chelsea aren’t shocked by what he’s done, they’re absolutely delighted. He’s settled really well into life in London, and they’re thrilled with his progress.
“There was never a plan to send him out on loan. They always knew what a talent he was, one of the very best in the world for his age.
“Long term, he may become a number 10, but for now, he’s happy, he’s playing, and he’ll go to the World Cup with Brazil. Both sides are very happy.”
The winger is likely to be part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans after Estevao scored a brace for Brazil during the most recent international break, after scoring his first goal for his national team during the previous run of games.
Former Chelsea star Oscar has urged fans to give Estevao time to adapt to European football, but Paul Scholes has compared him to Eden Hazard after being dazzled by his early performances.
Estevao’s potential position change could impact Cole Palmer’s Chelsea future
Chelsea fans will be ecstatic to hear that the club have long-term plans for Estevao, as his early performances have proven his potential.
However, moving him into the number 10 role could cause Enzo Maresca a serious headache, given that Cole Palmer also prefers that position.
Statistic Games Played Goals Assists Minutes Played
Palmer 4 2 – 235′
Estevao 9 1 1 341′
Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian’s 2025-26 Chelsea stats
Palmer can also play out wide, but given the important impact he’s had on the team since joining from Manchester City, fans would be surprised to see him displaced.
Terry claimed Palmer is already better than Joe Cole, and Maresca will have to balance both young attackers on the team.
However, Estevao might get the opportunity to stake his claim to the Chelsea number 10 role very soon, as Maresca has confirmed the England international will be sidelined for longer than initially planned.
“I was wrong. Unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks. So, yes, this is the update,” Maresca said during the pre-Nottingham Forest press conference.