Chelsea’s new signing Estevao Willian has spoken up ahead of his move to Stamford Bridge this summer. The 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy was signed in June 2024, when the Blues announced that he would join them this year. They paid Palmeiras an impressive €34 million, with an extra €23 million in bonuses.
This is arguably a massive fee for a teenager who has not yet made an impression outside of Brazil. However, his performances have gotten him selected for the Brazil national team, with the exciting winger debuting in late 2024.
Questions have been raised about how the youngster might adapt to a new country, and he admitted that people have asked why he chose Chelsea. He provided a response to these questions in an interview with the Players’ Tribune, where he explained:
“A lot of people are asking me why we chose Chelsea, but they don’t understand how much Chelsea wanted me, and how much belief they have in my potential. Those people don’t know about the project they presented to us. To a young player, these things matter a lot, and I know we’ve made the right decision to go to London.”
Estevao’s stats are already exciting – this season, he has scored six goals and provided one assist in 21 appearances. There will certainly be differences in playing style in Brazil and England, but the young winger’s maturity could see him through.
Chelsea Continue to Chase After Young Players for the Future
Estevao Willian is only one of several youngsters Chelsea have moved for in recent transfer windows. Recent signings have seen them clinch the signatures of players like Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo. It is worth noting that, despite all three players being under the age of 20, they are expected to challenge for a spot in the first team at Stamford Bridge.
Quenda, however, will not join just yet. The teenager will make the switch to Chelsea in the summer of 2026, which will see him complete the next season with Sporting CP. He has also gotten a call-up to the Portugal national team.
Essugo will make the switch to Stamford Bridge this season, also from Sporting. The 20-year-old midfielder has not made it to the Portugal national team just yet, but the Blues seem to have recognized his potential early. He is expected to move in June, before the start of the FIFA Club World Cup.
