Estevao Willian Set to Join Chelsea After Club World Cup

Chelsea's £48 million signing Estevao Willian, who recently turned 18, will officially join Enzo Maresca’s squad after the FIFA Club World Cup. The Palmeiras star has 11 goals and 5 assists in 32 games in 2025. Now valued up to £72.4 million, the attacking midfielder prefers the number 10 role but can play wide too.

For the first time under new head coach Enzo Maresca, Chelsea will soon welcome highly-rated Brazilian talent Estevao Willian into the squad. The Blues secured the 17-year-old in a £48 million (€57 million) deal with Palmeiras in 2024, and after turning 18, he is now eligible to join the team officially. Since the start of 2025, Estevao has impressed with 11 goals and five assists in 32 appearances across all competitions—averaging a direct goal contribution every two games.

One of his standout performances came in late May during a Copa do Brasil clash, where he scored twice in three minutes against Ceara Sporting Club, including a stunning strike with his weaker foot. As Palmeiras prepare for their Club World Cup fixtures against Porto, Al Ahly, and Inter Miami, Estevao is expected to stay with the Brazilian club until their campaign ends.

His market value has soared, with CIES Football Observatory now estimating it between £57.2 million (€68 million) and £72.4 million (€86 million). Though Chelsea have no intention of selling, the rising valuation reflects the club's belief in his potential. Estevao prefers playing as a number 10 but is also comfortable on the wing, offering Maresca tactical flexibility for the upcoming season.