Chelsea confirm £51m Estevao Willian transfer as big spending continues | OneFootball

Wonderkid dubbed ‘Little Messi’ will join in 2025

Chelsea have officially confirmed the signing of Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian, with the 17-year-old set to join next summer.

The teenager will join from Brazilian club Palmeiras in a deal that could rise to as high as £51m, which would make Willian the most expensive South American teenager in history.

Willian completed medical checks in Brazil earlier this week and has signed a long-term deal at Stamford Bridge.

Dubbed ‘Little Messi’ in Brazil, the winger is one of the most highly regarded prospects in world football and Chelsea chiefs consider him as a major star for the future.

The club’s new owners have targeted young talents since taking over in 2022, having missed out on Real Madrid-bound Endrick.

Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington, Angelo and Kendry Paez have all been signed, with Paez set to join Willian in arriving next summer.

They have agreed a £19m fee with the Midlands giants for the highly-rated attacking midfielder, having already signed defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham.