There will be plenty of intrigue to see how teenage talent Estevao Willian adapts to life at Chelsea.
Back in June 2024, Chelsea confirmed that Estevao Willian would be joining them from Palmeiras further down the line. After waiting for over a year, the 18-year-old star finally completed his move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Gary Lineker thinks Estevao could be a “special” signing for the Blues. In fairness, the teenage attacker has already won over supporters during his first two appearances for the club in pre-season friendlies.
Estevao scored and lit up the 2-0 victory against Bayer Leverkusen last Friday. Two days later, the Brazil international came off the bench to earn a penalty in the 4-1 win against AC Milan.
Chelsea fans want Estevao starting in the Premier League for the opening fixture at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday, which is a sign of just how quickly the youngster has settled at his new home on a different continent.
Ben Foster during a pre-season friendly between Chelsea and Wrexham.
Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images
Ben Foster blown away by Estevao Willian
According to Ben Foster, Chelsea have signed something quite “unbelievable” after watching Estevao’s highlights against Leverkusen last week.
Foster said via his YouTube channel: “I did watch a little bit of highlights; Estevao played against Bayer Leverkusen the other day in that friendly… Lad, serious. I think he’s only 18 or something, but just unbelievable. Unreal, unreal talent.”
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German media raved about Estevao following his eye-catching performance against Leverkusen, where he slotted into the starting XI for his unofficial club debut with such ease. When he does play this season, fans can expect to be entertained because the left-footed playmaker is so positive and direct.
The right-winger, who can also shine as a No.10, does arrive at Chelsea with a lot of first-team experience for someone so young.
Appearances Goals Assists Yellow cards Red cards Trophies
83 27 15 14 0 2
Estevao Willian’s senior record at Palmeiras
Pat Nevin admits Estevao has already won him over because of his impact in a short pre-season, so all eyes will be on the team announcement for Sunday’s league opener against Palace. It would be a brave but exciting call from head coach Enzo Maresca to start him immediately.
Estevao Willian looks on during Chelsea FC v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Brazilian trio inject something special to Chelsea’s squad
Chelsea will introduce Estevao, Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos into their squad for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign. We’re so excited about what the three Brazil internationals will bring, too!
Chelsea have a rich history with Brazilians because the likes of Thiago Silva, David Luiz and Ramires have played at Stamford Bridge. We’ve now got a new wave of South American stars to excite supporters, and that is what the aforementioned trio should do.
In attack, Estevao and Pedro should bring flair and goals, while Santos is an all-action central midfielder with an incredible engine.
If the Chelsea trio can shine in the new season, it would be great to see all of them at the 2026 World Cup.