Chelsea 'reach agreement in principle' to sign Brazilian wonderkid Estevao

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 17 May 2024 19:30 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea have reportedly agreed a deal in principle to sign Palmeiras wonderkid Estevao Willian.

Estevao, 17, is regarded as one of the brightest talents in world football and Chelsea have moved fast to secure his signature amid competition from several other top European clubs.

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have all previously been linked with a move for Estevao, but Chelsea appear to have won the race to sign him.

READ MORE: Who is Estevao? The Barcelona and Chelsea target nicknamed 'Messinho'

According to HITC, the Blues have reached an agreement in principle with Palmeiras and intermediaries are now finalising the deal.

Estevao reportedly has a €55 million release clause included in his current contract at Palmeiras, but it’s believed Chelsea could pay as much as €70m to sign the Brazilian in order to secure a favourable payment structure.

The Premier League giants will spread the cost of Estevao over multiple different payments, while a significant portion of the fee will be in the form of potential add-ons.

READ MORE: Why Chelsea are trying for Nicolas Jackson repeat with Estevao

Chelsea used a similar tactic when they signed Senegal international Nicolas Jackson from LaLiga club Villarreal last summer.

As a result, Estevao will become one of the most expensive teenagers in football history.

Estevao to join Chelsea?

Estevao has made 17 first-team appearances for Palmeiras, scoring three goals and providing one assist, and he has been nicknamed ‘Messinho’ after Argentina football legend and current Inter Miami star Lionel Messi.

The Brazilian youngster is expected to join Chelsea when he turns 18 next year, and he will provide competition for fellow right wingers Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Angelo Gabriel and Omari Hutchinson. Ecuador wonderkid Kendry Paez will also join the Blues in 2025.

In addition to Estevao, Chelsea are interested in his Palmeiras team-mate Luis Guilherme, according to HITC. However, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on signing the 18-year-old.

Endrick, another Palmeiras wonderkid, will join Real Madrid this summer.