Estevao Willian is reportedly closing in on joining Chelsea, with the West London club sealing an agreement in principle with Palmeiras.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on HITC, Estevao Willian will likely join Chelsea after turning 18. The 17-year-old has also been a target for Barcelona and Real Madrid in the last few months. However, the Blues have agreed to a deal worth £60 million in principle with Palmeiras, with intermediaries hashing out the final details.
The rise and rise of Estevao Willian
Estevao Willian has established himself as one of the best young prospects in the world in the last 12 months. He is the latest highly-rated wonderkid to rise in prominence at Palmeiras, with the club recently producing other prodigies like Endrick, Luis Guilherme, and Thalys.
As for the 17-year-old, he has already established a foothold in the first-team squad at Palmeiras. The youngster has enjoyed a solid start to the 2024 season, amassing seven goals and three assists in 21 appearances across all competitions on different age-group levels. Meanwhile, Estevao’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs.
High in demand
The Brazilian whizkid has invariably emerged as a target for Barcelona and Real Madrid, with the two La Liga heavyweights constantly scouring the market for highly-rated prospects. However, Los Blancos recently ruled out a move for the teenage sensation, with Florentino Perez pulling the plug on the move.
As for Barcelona, the Catalan outfit’s never-ending financial issues have forced them to rule out a move for Estevao Willian. That opened up the chase for Chelsea, with the West London club recently deciding to submit an improved offer to land the Palmeiras wonderkid. In addition, personal terms are not an issue.
The Blues are on the verge of securing Estevao’s services, sealing an agreement in principle with Palmeiras over a deal worth £60 million. Intermediaries are now working to hash out the final details of the transfer.
The teenage Brazilian sensation will complete his move next year, as FIFA rules stipulate he can only formally join Chelsea after turning 18. So, the official announcement is only a matter of time, with Estevao’s next destination being Chelsea.
