Estevao Willian could be in for a bit of disappointment when he officially joins Chelsea in the summer.
Chelsea signed Estevao from Palmeiras last June, but the winger was not able to link up with Enzo Maresca‘s squad because of his age.
Estevao is still 17 but turns 18 next month, meaning that he will be allowed to move from Brazil to England in the summer.
In the past, Estevao’s agent has spoken about what position he could play at Chelsea and has recently discussed the same subject again. It has become quite clear where the Brazilian youngster envisions himself, but it is highly likely that Maresca has other plans.
Photo by Adriana Spaca/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images
Photo by Adriana Spaca/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images
Where Chelsea said Estevao Willian could play
At Palmeiras, Estevao has played on the right and has absolutely thrived there. In the 2024 Brazilian Serie A season, he scored 13 goals and provided five assists across 31 appearances.
However, his agent Andre Cury has suggested in one interview that Chelsea gave his client assurances that he would get the opportunity to play as a No.10.
Speaking to GE Globo, Cury said: “It was the only club that saw us as number 10, to play in midfield. I may be wrong, but we will have the opportunity. I think we will be right, so that was also something that weighed heavily.
“In my opinion, on my team he plays as a number 10. They like to put him on the wing. I think it is too narrow for a player of that quality, I think that… like all players of that quality in the world, it is usually the number 10, so the number 10 plays inside.”
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If Estevao was at Stamford Bridge at this very moment, then the Brazil international would be playing games on the right.
Noni Madueke is currently out injured, resulting in Jadon Sancho having to start on the right flank. But his form has been very inconsistent and he could now return to Manchester United at the end of the season.
Chelsea can pay a penalty fee to get out of the obligation they have to sign Sancho permanently.
Photo credit should read Rebeca Schumacker / GocherImagery/Future Publishing via Getty Images
Photo credit should read Rebeca Schumacker / GocherImagery/Future Publishing via Getty Images
Estevao Willian will not be Chelsea’s No.10 next season
Regardless of what Chelsea have promised, Estevao is not going to be the team’s main No.10 in the 2025/26 campaign.
While he may get a game or two there, Maresca is almost certain to stick with Cole Palmer for that position. He is one of the best attacking midfielders in the Premier League, perhaps the best despite his recent dip in form.
For as talented as Estevao is, he cannot just come in and demand to start in the position that is currently being occupied by Chelsea’s top player.
He may also be needed on the right if Madueke picks up another injury, with neither Sancho nor Pedro Neto fully convincing there this term.
Neto did score an excellent goal against Arsenal from the right half-space earlier in the season, but since then his best performances have come up top.