Why Estevao can be Chelsea's answer to Vini Jr

Suraj Radia

• 19 May 2024 10:00 BST
• 6 min read

Chelsea believe they have pulled off one of the biggest transfer coups in recent years with the imminent signing Estevao despite some criticism over their deal for the Palmeiras wonderkid.

Estevao has agreed to join the Blues when he turns 18 next year, with Chelsea set to pay Palmeiras an initial €40 million in a deal that could rise to more than €60m with add-ons.

The 17-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest talents to come out of Brazil in recent years, highlighting why Chelsea were desperate to beat rivals to his signature despite already signing a host of similar talent.

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Chelsea have signed Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington and Angelo Gabriel from Brazilian clubs in the past 18 months, while Ecuadorian teenager Kendry Paez will also move to Stamford Bridge next summer.

The influx of talented yet costly and unproven wonderkids from South America has led to accusations of ‘hoarding’ by some critics, particularly with young stars such as Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke already in the first team squad.

However, the belief in Estevao’s potential was enough for Chelsea to make their move despite the depth in talent, with the Blues envisioning ‘Messinho’ can soon become their very own Vinicius Junior upon his arrival.

Chelsea looking to follow Real Madrid example with Estevao

Chelsea will not look to loan Estevao out and will immediately look to integrate him into the first team squad according to Fabrizio Romano, such is the conviction in the winger.

Estevao has only played seven times in Brazil’s top flight for Palmeiras, scoring once, but he has impressed in the youth setup for club and country, playing alongside Real Madrid-bound forward Endrick.

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Chelsea had hoped to sign Endrick before he agreed a €60m move to Real and it is thought the failure to sign the teenager only further fuelled the desire to bring in Estevao.

Endrick is also expected to immediately be a part of Real’s first team next season and could follow in the footsteps of Vini Jr, who moved to the Spanish side in 2017 in a record deal for a teenager at the time.

Vini made 18 appearances in La Liga in his first season and is now an integral part of Carlo Ancelotti’s team and his progression is what Real hope for Endrick, as well as Chelsea’s vision for Estevao.

Although Real had – and continue to have – a plethora of young, attacking quality on their books, the big money signings of Vini and Endrick were seen as no-brainers due to their potential.

While the fee and the playing time pathway may raise questions for some, Chelsea are confident that the best talent will stand above the rest and become the focal point of their side for many years to come, with Estevao well positioned to lead the way.