After Endrick and Luis Guilherme, Palmeiras has already transferred its next superstar. Chelsea has reached an agreement with the Brazilian club to acquire the services of Estevao Willian, better known as ‘Messinho‘, in exchange for 34 million euros plus another 27 million euros in variables (according to English media).
The Blues have signed him to a nine-season contract. But, as he is still 17 years old, he will not arrive at Stamford Bridge until 2025. So, as Real Madrid has done with Endrick, he will remain on loan at Palmeiras to continue growing without pressure.
The truth is that Estevao‘s name, despite still being a child, has been around for many months. Especially after the spectacular U-17 World Cup he signed with Brazil, where he scored three goals and provided three assists in just five games.
Since then, his explosion has been dazzling. He made his debut with the Palmeiras first team last December at just 16 years of age and, little by little, is making a name for himself in the reigning Brasileirao champions.
The nickname ‘Messinho‘ is no coincidence. He is a left-footed winger who usually plays on the left foot with devilish foot speed, a great deal of imagination in one-on-one situations and a striking quality that is astonishing for a boy of his age. Not in vain, in the 23 games he has already played with Palmeiras‘ first team, he has four goals and three assists in just over 1,000 minutes.
Abel Ferreira began giving him opportunities in dribs and drabs. But since he started him against Liverpool in the Copa Libertadores, Estevao has made seven starts in 11 games, which has convinced Chelsea to go all out for Brazilian soccer’s latest talent. “Believe me, this kid is completely different. Estevao is something I’ve never seen in my coaching career,” his current coach said.
Last March, Endrick‘s agent said that the Blues were very close to signing him. But they ended up falling asleep and Real Madrid overtook them on the right.
“Endrick‘s signing will serve as a lesson to Chelsea. They were the first to lead the race, but they disagreed on the price. When Real Madrid entered the negotiation they were willing to pay whatever Palmeiras wanted.”
Since then, Chelsea have carried out an intense scouting process in South America with the aim of copying Real Madrid‘s own strategy. Along the way they have signed Andrey Santos, Angelo Gabriel, Deivid Washington, Kendry Paez… and now Estevao Willian, who, for the time being, will continue to simmer in Brazilian soccer.