New Chelsea signing 'will be a genius' - Neymar

Tom Weber

Updated: 24 Jun 2024 16:46 BST
3 min read

Brazil superstar Neymar believes that Estevao Willian 'will be a genius.'

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Chelsea finally announced the signing of the Palmeiras wonderkid last week, sealing a big-money deal that could rise higher than €60 million for the 17-year-old.

The Blues had already verbally reached an agreement with Palmeiras and the youngster several weeks ago, but the finalisation of the transfer took some time, which worried some Chelsea fans due to their club having recently missed out on fellow Brazilian talent Pedro Lima to Wolves at the 11th hour.

Indeed, according to Fabrizio Romano, an unnamed club did try to hijack the deal for Estevao, but the Blues ultimately managed to land one of the world's biggest talents. The teenager is set to head to Stamford Bridge next year.

Neymar a big fan

Such has been Estevao's swift rise to prominence that the youngster has been dubbed 'Messinho' in his native Brazil, though the precocious winger has admitted that he is not particularly fond of that nickname.

His talent is clear for all to see, however, and even Brazil superstar Neymar is a big fan. During an event in the United States, the Al-Hilal attacker was asked which up-and-coming talent excites him the most.

"Estevao from Palmeiras," Neymar answered, "I think he is the great talent emerging today in Brazilian football and I think he will be a genius."

This came mere hours after the 17-year-old again illustrated all his potential by netting for his club in a 3-1 win over Juventude in Serie A and showing off Cole Palmer's 'cold' celebration.

The Blues have a special talent on their hands and even Neymar recognises this. Perhaps Estevao can even go one better than Neymar and eventually win the Ballon d'Or. Palmeiras certainly seem to think so as they insisted on the inclusion of a €4m Ballon d'Or bonus in their deal with Chelsea.