Premier League giants Chelsea feel they have won the race to sign Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian after agreeing terms on a deal worth up to £60 million with Palmeiras. HITC understands that a Chelsea side who have invested heavily in the South American market since that Clearlake takeover are closing in on a deal that would make the 17-year-old the fourth most expensive teenager in football history.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Mauricio Pochettino’s side have agreed a deal in principle for Estevao Willian Intermediaries are now working on behalf of the London outfit in Brazil to thrash out the final details.
The overall package, including add-ons, is understood to be around £60 million. Only Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain), Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid) and Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus) moved for more before their 20th birthdays.
Chelsea closing in on Palmeiras wonderkid Estevao Willian
Chelsea were concerned that Barcelona or Real Madrid would step in and win the race. Real, in particular, have enjoyed a lot of success when plucking youngsters out of Brazil, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes set to be joined at the Santiago Bernabeu by Estevao’s Palmeiras’ team-mate Endrick.
Estevao looks set for Stamford Bridge instead, however, Palmeiras feeling that Chelsea’s offer is they best they will get. The Brazil Under 17 starlet has a £38 million release clause in his contract.
Chelsea, however, are going above and beyond that, stumping up an initial £47 million. This means they can spread the payment across a series of instalments, with a £13 million made up of bonuses and add-ons should Estevao prove to be a success in England.
Palmeiras beat Independiente del Valle of Ecuador in the Copa Libertadores on Thursday. After that group-stage clash, Estevao opened up on Chelsea’s interest albeit while insisting that he is not letting the speculation distract from him the job currently at hand.
“I’m very happy. I think they (Chelsea) are watching what I do at Palmeiras,” Estevao tells ESPN. “(But) today, my mind is 100% in Palmeiras.
“The rest is a consequence.”
Estevao who has three goals for the senior team already in the 2024 campaign. The teenager has been nicknamed ‘Messinho’ due to his similarities with Barcelona legend and current Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, meanwhile.
HITC also understands that Chelsea are keen on another Palmeiras wonderkid, Luis Guilherme. Estevao was always the priority, however, even if The Blues may follow up their interest in Guilherme later in the summer.
Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are also in pursuit of Guilherme, HITC have been told.
“Luis doesn’t get carried away. He knows the potential he has,” smiles Joao Paulo Sampaio, Palmeiras’ youth director. “He’s a very special player.”