Talks ON: Chelsea ‘confident’ of signing the next “Messi” for just €30m
According to reports, Estevao Willian, a wonderkid for Palmeiras valued at €30 million, is being discussed by Chelsea for a possible transfer.
The 17-year-old, who goes by the moniker “Messinho” in homage to the great Lionel Messi of Argentina, appears to be a gifted player. Chelsea appears to be optimistic in closing a deal for him, as reported by The Athletic, which also mentions that he might go for about €30 million.
The most recent well-known player to emerge from Palmeiras is Estevao. The team has also produced another really promising player, Endrick, who will be moving to Real Madrid this summer.
However, The Athletic suggest Real Madrid also looked at Estevao, but Chelsea now perhaps seem to be the favourites to complete this smart deal that can go through once the player turns 18 next year.
Estevao transfer: Chelsea continuing with youth strategy
If Chelsea do end up getting this deal done, it looks like the current Blues hierarchy are very much continuing along the path of recruiting top young players for a long-term project, and moving away from the strategy of signing experienced and ready-made superstars as they did for so much of the Roman Abramovich era.
Estevao would link up with top young talents like Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer at Stamford Bridge, while the club will also have high hopes for someone like Kendry Paez – another exciting wonderkid who hasn’t actually linked up with the west Londoners yet, but who is set to join in the near future.
As his nickname suggests, Estevao has a similar playing style to Messi and it will be very exciting to see him in English football for what Chelsea fans will hope can be his peak years.
The Brazilian national team may not have had as much success as they’re used to in recent World Cups, but there’s a very promising new generation coming through now, with Endrick and Estevao looking like they’re sure to be among the best players in the world in the coming years.