Chelsea Closing in on Record-Breaking Transfer for Palmeiras Star Estevao Willian

Chelsea are on the verge of completing the signing of Palmeiras star Estevao Willian, with only “minor details” remaining to be sorted, according to reports.

Since the takeover by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in 2022, Chelsea has focused on acquiring the best young talent from around the world.

The club has particularly targeted the South American market, already securing players like Kendry Paez, Andrey Santos, Angelo Gabriel, and Deivid Washington, with Estevao set to follow.

Minor Details Remaining in Estevao Deal

Estevao, along with Paez, is considered one of the brightest talents to emerge from South America. Having agreed on a deal to sign Paez last summer, the Blues have now almost finalized a deal for Estevao.

Chelsea reached an agreement with Palmeiras last month, reportedly paying an initial £29 million for the 17-year-old, with performance-related add-ons potentially bringing the total to around £51.4 million.

This deal will make Estevao the most expensive teenager from South America, surpassing Endrick’s transfer to Real Madrid, showcasing Chelsea’s significant investment in the youngster.

Despite the agreement being in place for several weeks, an official announcement has been delayed. Diario AS journalist Eduardo Burgos provided an update, indicating that only minor details remain. He stated on X.com:

“Chelsea and Palmeiras are closing the final stages for the transfer of Estevão. The final amount will be 45M plus another 20 in variables based on games played with the Blues. The signing was delayed, but it is ‘practically done,’ only minor details remain.”

Estevao, like Paez, will not join Chelsea until the summer of 2025 when they both turn 18.

It remains to be seen how the club plans to integrate these youngsters, given the current competition for places in the wide areas, with players like Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke, and Mykhailo Mudryk already in the squad. Additionally, Chelsea is actively pursuing Crystal Palace star Michael Olise.

While Sterling may depart this summer or next, it’s reported that Estevao will not be loaned out and will immediately be part of the first-team squad.