Football journalist Fabrizio Romano has praised Chelsea after they signed 17-year-old Willian Estevao from Palmeiras during the transfer window.
Chelsea signed the winger from Brazilian side Palmeiras for £28.6m, but he won’t play for the Blues until July 2025 after he turns 18 and will remain at Palmerias this season.
The 17-year-old has made 21 appearances in Brazil’s Serie A this season, scoring eight goals and recording seven assists. Romano believes he was a bargain for the Blues.
Speaking to 10Bet, he said: “People in Brazil say that Willian Estevao could be the next big player to emerge from the country. They are so excited about him and believe he has the potential to become the next Neymar if he can continue to develop in the right way.
“He is an incredible prospect, and he has been identified as a player to watch since he started his career in the Palmeiras academy. Since breaking into the first team, he has done really well. Chelsea have signed a player with a very bright future.”
Who is Chelsea signing Willian Estevao?
Estevao came through the ranks at Palmeiras’ academy and has made 36 professional appearances for the club despite only turning 17 in April 2024.
He plays on the right-hand side and is known for his blend of pure pace and skill on the ball, similar to Neymar when he broke out at Santos as a youngster.
Estevao has also scored three goals in five games for Brazil’s U17s team making his debut when he was 16 in November 2023.
It has been a quick rise to ascendency for the youngster who is set to become a star – if he lives up to the hype, Chelsea have got themselves a bargain.
The sky is the limit for Estevao who has been in the shadow of Real Madrid star Endrick throughout his young career, but it could be the time for him to make a name for himself when he eventually makes the move to Stamford Bridge.
