Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira has revealed that winger Estevao Willian is set to join Chelsea.
Speaking about the young players that the Brazilian side have sold recently, Ferreira said that the club are preparing for Estevao‘s departure to Stamford Bridge:
“What can I say? One year I sold Endrick to Real Madrid and another year now (Estevao) to Chelsea… although no one has confirmed anything to me, to be honest.”
Despite Ferreira qualifying his remarks by saying that he hasn’t received confirmation about the transfer himself, journalist Fabrizio Romano did post on X to say he believes the move is set to go ahead:
🔵🇧🇷 Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira on Estevão to join Chelsea: “Endrick to Real Madrid and then Estevão to Chelsea now… in one year!”.
❗️ “I hope Chelsea won’t sign any other player from us, I hope they will let us alone. Please, give us a break”.
Here we go, confirmed. ✅ pic.twitter.com/VahgwD2Vd9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 24, 2024
How much will Estevao cost Chelsea?
Romano says that the Blues will pay €40m (£34m) upfront for the 17-year-old, and another €25m (£21m) in add-ons, taking the total cost of the transfer to €65m (£55m).
It is believed that the performance-related bonuses are easily achievable and some could even be activated before he officially arrives at the club.
When will the winger make the move to England?
Rules stipulate that Estevao can’t move from Palmeiras until he turns 18. That means he will remain in Brazil until next summer.
Chelsea supporters won’t be able to see the forward in action until the start of the 2025/26 season at the very earliest. In the meantime, the club will keep very close tabs on his progress at Palmeiras. After breaking into the first team, he has made 17 appearances this year, scoring 3 goals and providing 1 assist.
