Chelsea Reach Verbal Agreement To Sign Brazilian Gem Willian Estevão

Chelsea is on the verge of finalizing the deal of Estêvão Willian from Palmeiras for approximately €65m (£56.4m).

The 17-year-old winger, considered one of Brazil’s top talents, caught Chelsea’s attention, and they were resolute in securing his signature to avoid missing out on his potential.

Chelsea has reached an agreement to pay Palmeiras an initial worth €40m plus €25m add-ons bringing the total to slightly over €65m for the transfer of Estêvão, nicknamed Messinho. This transaction will make him the most expensive teenage player from South America to date.

This move showcases Chelsea’s bold approach to acquiring promising young talents and emphasizes their commitment to targeting the best-emerging players globally. Learning from their past miss in signing Palmeiras teenager Endrick, who chose Real Madrid instead, Chelsea was determined not to let a similar opportunity slip by. Endrick, aged 17, notably scored Brazil’s winning goal against England at Wembley in March.

Chelsea’s co-sporting director, Laurence Stewart, led the negotiations for Estêvão, emphasizing the club’s ongoing commitment to scouting in South America. This concerted effort signifies Chelsea’s growing influence and presence in the region.

Over the past two years, Chelsea has extensively scouted Brazil for emerging talent, securing signings such as Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington, and Ângelo. The club’s proactive approach has also generated excitement surrounding the potential acquisition of the talented Ecuadorian teenager Kendry Páez, set to join Stamford Bridge in 2025.