REPORT: Chelsea are on the verge of adding £72m star to Enzo Maresca’s squad
According to latest reports, Chelsea agreeing a staggering £48million (€57m) package with Palmeiras for 17-year-old Estevao Willian was questioned significantly, but it already looks to be quite the bargain.
With 12 months now having passed since he was officially confirmed as a Chelsea player, though unable to join up with his new teammates until he turned 18, Estevao has shown off his ability on numerous occasions.
Since 2025 began, which was also when the latest Brazilian Serie A season kicked off, the teenager has managed 11 goals and five assists from 32 appearances in all competitions which works out at one direct contribution every two games.
Since 2025 began, which was also when the latest Brazilian Serie A season kicked off, the teenager has managed 11 goals and five assists from 32 appearances in all competitions which works out at one direct contribution every two games.
While to some it may not be considered a great return, given his age and when looking at the actual goals scored, it is an impressive achievement.
His latest set of notable strikes came in the 3-0 Copa da Brasil third round second leg win against Ceara Sporting Club in late May. In the space of three minutes, he bagged two goals with the first of those a rebound from a missed penalty.
The attacking midfielder then broke into the penalty area with some excellent footwork before smashing an effort with his weaker right foot into the roof of the net. Since then, he has played a further three matches with a goal and assist coming while also celebrating his eighteenth birthday.
As such, he can now officially become part of Enzo Maresca’s squad but he will not make that switch potentially until after the Club World Cup. That is because Palmeiras are also taking part in that tournament this month games against Porto, Al Ahly and Inter Miami on their schedule.
Given the task at hand, it is seemingly unlikely that the Brazilian club go too far but it will certainly be a chance for him to impress on the world stage before then training with his new teammates.
However, it looks as though notice has already been taken as he is now worth between £57.2milllion (€68m) and £72.4million (€86m), according to CIES Football Observatory’s Estimated transfer values.
Though it is highly unlikely Chelsea sell him any time soon, those figures are an indication of his potential and the expectation that he will thrive in Europe.
Given the chaotic last few months he has endured, Estevao will almost certainly be given some rest before joining up and also adequate time to adapt to his new surroundings. Following that, Maresca’s task will be handing him some minutes with the man himself making it quite clear where he would like those to come.
“My favourite position is number 10, inside, But I’m comfortable in every position, also on the wing,” he admitted to ESPN Brazil earlier this year.