Chelsea Set to Welcome Brazilian Wonderkid Estevao Willian After Club World Cup

Chelsea fans have a reason to be excited. Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian is about to join Chelsea. He will join the team after playing in the FIFA Club World Cup with Palmeiras. The 18-year-old will finally head to Stamford Bridge. Last summer, the Blues agreed on a deal worth up to £51.4 million.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Estevao Willian will say goodbye to Palmeiras after the FIFA Club World Cup. He will then join Chelsea for the 2025/26 season. The highly-rated winger has already played for Brazil’s national team. He will move in a deal worth initially an estimated £29 million but it could rise to £51.4 million with add-ons. Chelsea agreed on the transfer in June 2024. But they had to wait for Estevao to turn 18 in April 2025 before he could move to Europe.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Estevao is one of the brightest talents in world football. He broke records previously set by Neymar in the Brazilian league. The teenager has an impressive record for Palmeiras. He has scored 25 goals and made 14 assists in 75 appearances. He has also played for Brazil, earning four caps after debuting in September. Under Todd Boehly and Clearlake ownership, Chelsea targeted the South American market. Estevao joins young talents like Andrey Santos and Kendry Paez, who will also arrive this summer.

Chelsea are 6th in the Premier League with only two matches remaining this season. The Blues are three points behind 5th-placed Tottenham and four points ahead of 7th-placed Newcastle. The addition of Estevao could boost their attack next season as they aim for Champions League qualification.

WHAT ESTEVAO SAID

The young Brazilian is excited about joining Chelsea. In a recent interview, he shared: “Feeling of gratitude, because I am leaving here, I’m going to live a dream. I’m trying to enjoy this place as much as possible because I’ll miss it.” Earlier, he also admitted feeling “very anxious” about moving to the Premier League. He has been seeking advice from fellow Brazilians playing in England.

Explaining why he chose Chelsea despite other top clubs showing interest, Estevao said: “People ask why we chose Chelsea. They don’t know how much Chelsea wanted me and believe in my potential. They don’t know the project they presented. To a young player, these things matter a lot. I’m sure going to London is the right decision.”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

Chelsea will face Aston Villa away and Newcastle at home in their final two Premier League matches. A strong finish could secure their place in Europe next season. The club will then focus on welcoming new players, including Estevao after the FIFA Club World Cup. His arrival will create excitement, but Chelsea will need to manage expectations carefully. This way, the young Brazilian won’t feel too much pressure as he adjusts to the Premier League’s demands.