Chelsea are on the verge of completing a sensational £56 million transfer for 17-year-old Brazilian winger Estevao Willian, according to reports from talkSPORT. This move sees Chelsea edging out Barcelona in the race to acquire one of South America’s brightest young talents.
Estevao has quickly captured the attention of top European clubs after a remarkable breakthrough season in Brazil. Nicknamed “Messinho” (Little Messi) due to his playing style resembling the Argentine maestro, his talent was recognized early on. He secured a sponsorship deal with Nike at the age of just 10, becoming the youngest Brazilian to sign with the sportswear giant.
Estevao’s Impressive Journey
Estevao began his youth career at Cruzeiro before joining Palmeiras in 2021. He made a meteoric rise, debuting for the senior team in December 2023 at the young age of 16. Despite a limited number of appearances (17), his performances have convinced Chelsea to invest heavily in his future potential.
While he boasts only 3 goals and 1 assist in his professional career thus far, Chelsea is clearly confident in his abilities. The £56 million transfer fee will make him the most expensive export in South American football history upon completion.
This transfer surpasses Neymar‘s previous record (£63 million move from Santos to Barcelona). Investigations revealed that a significant portion of that fee went to Neymar’s family, inflating the transfer cost.
Traditionally, Spanish giants like Real Madrid have dominated the market for Brazil’s top young talent. However, Chelsea is making a bold statement with this acquisition. Chelsea initially held a deal for Endrick (another Brazilian prodigy) before pulling out. Estevao is expected to follow a similar trajectory, potentially emulating the success of Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Endrick in the Premier League.
From Youth Ranks to the World Stage
Estevao’s journey has been remarkable. In just six months, he has risen from the Palmeiras youth ranks (winning four trophies) to a regular starter for the senior team, all while participating in the Under-17 World Cup.
The Messi comparisons hold weight, according to his former youth director. Joao Paulo Sampaio highlights his exceptional technical skills and potential for future greatness.
While Estevao currently lacks the physical maturity of his peers, Sampaio emphasizes his immense talent and potential for future development. His exceptional left foot control and speed with the ball are qualities that have scouts excited.
Chelsea fans will have to wait until 2025 to see Estevao in action, as he will not officially join the Blues until he turns 18. However, this record-breaking transfer signifies Chelsea’s commitment to securing the future of their attacking options.
