Chelsea have officially signed Brazilian winger Estevao Willian, who is only 18 years old and is very highly rated. He will join the team at Cobham Training Centre before the 2025–26 season. The deal with Palmeiras that the teenager had been waiting for for a long time became official after he turned 18 in July.
In a poetic turn of events, Estevao’s last act in South America was scoring against the Blues in the Club World Cup quarter-finals. Chelsea are said to have paid £29 million up front, with up to £20 million in possible extras. This makes the deal one of the most expensive involving a South American teenager.
Estevao is already being compared to Lionel Messi and Neymar because of how fast he is, how well he dribbles, and how well he sees the game. In Brazil, he is known as “Messinho.” Willian, a former Chelsea winger, said that Lamine Yamal’s talent is similar to his own and that the young player shows “incredible maturity for his age.”
Estevao has explained why he is even more “excited” to join Chelsea after impressing on a global stage just weeks before his arrival:
“I am very, very excited. It is a new experience in my life, a new stage. I am looking forward to it and hope that it will go as well as possible.”
He also shared his goals:
“[My long-term goals at Chelsea are] I want to win all the titles possible: the Premier League and the Champions League as well. And personally, to be the best in the world and keep working hard so that these dreams come true.”
Estevao scored 12 goals and set up five others in 37 games for Palmeiras last season. He is now on a Chelsea team that has made big improvements to its attack. He joins other young signings Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, and Kendry Paez as manager Enzo Maresca builds a fast-paced, possession-based front line.
Chelsea Continue Impressive Signing Spree
Maresca has made it clear that Estevao will be a part of the first team instead of being loaned out, since the Champions League is coming up. The Brazilian will have to fight for playing time with Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, and Gittens. He will probably start on the right side, where his inverted style gives him an edge.
Chelsea has spent about £190 million this summer, but they have made a lot of money by selling players like João Félix, Noni Madueke, and Nicolas Jackson. There is a lot of pressure for quick results, but Estevao’s signing is also a long-term investment in creative firepower.