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Estevao's Focus Wavers as Chelsea Move Looms

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Palmeiras' Estevao battles to stay focused ahead of Botafogo match with Chelsea transfer looming. Read about the young star's journey and future plans.


Palmeiras' Estevao is battling to stay focused as anxiety grows about his impending move to Chelsea. Meanwhile, Chelsea has been introducing new talent during the Club World Cup, with players like Liam Delap and Andrey Santos making their debuts. Estevao's situation contrasts with Chelsea's new signings getting immediate playing time.


Estevao Willian, an 18-year-old winger, is currently with Palmeiras, preparing for their upcoming match against Botafogo in the last 16 of the tournament in Philadelphia.


Chelsea signed Estevao Willian in a deal worth a reported €57 million (£48.5 million) including bonuses, with the 18-year-old set to join the club in time for the new Premier League season.


Estevao Willian expressed the challenges of his upcoming Chelsea transfer, saying, “It is very difficult. I am going to be fulfilling a dream but for now I have to focus on the work I have to do here.” Despite the excitement, he remains focused on his current commitments with Palmeiras.




“The closer it gets, the more the anxiety sets in and the butterflies flutter in my stomach.”


Estevao, a standout player in the Brazilian league, finished second with Palmeiras last season while also winning the Golden Ball award at just 17. The fleet-footed winger, reminiscent of Neymar, dazzles with his skills, often cutting in from the right to unleash his left foot.


Carlo Ancelotti praised Estevao, saying, “I see what everyone sees, a special player with extraordinary talent.” Neymar also praised the youngster, calling him Brazil's next ”genius.” Estevao has been shining for Palmeiras, including at the Club World Cup, where the team qualified after winning the Copa Libertadores in 2021.


Early Career

Estevao joined Palmeiras from Cruzeiro's youth ranks in 2021, the same year the club won the Copa Libertadores. He made his senior debut for Palmeiras at 16 in late 2023, playing alongside fellow Brazilian teen sensation Endrick, now at Real Madrid.


Estevao has started all three of Palmeiras' matches at the Club World Cup, wearing the number 41. The versatile attacker can play as a right-winger or central attacking midfielder.


Palmeiras had a mixed start to the Club World Cup, drawing with FC Porto, beating Al Ahly, and then coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Inter Miami. In the Inter Miami match, Estevao faced his idol Lionel Messi and even swapped shirts with him at halftime.




“Incredible, sensational. I have watched him play since I was little. I choose him when I'm playing video games. It was such a pleasure to play against him,” Estevao, who is even nicknamed Messinho, said later.


Palmeiras' 2-2 draw with Inter Miami secured top spot in Group A, setting up a last-16 match against Botafogo. If Palmeiras wins and Chelsea beats Benfica, Estevao will ironically face his future club in the quarterfinals on July 4 in Philadelphia.


Estevao revealed Chelsea's strong interest in him, saying, “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.” He shared this insight in an article for the Players' Tribune website on his 18th birthday.


“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.


”Until then, I simply want to enjoy these last few months at Palmeiras.”




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