OFFICIAL: Chelsea announce €61m signing of Willian Estevao

Robin Bairner

Updated: 23 Jun 2024 16:22 BST
3 min read

Willian Estevao, Palmeiras, 2024 — © IMAGO

Chelsea have announced the signing of Willian Estevao for an estimated transfer fee of €61 million from Brazilian side Palmeiras.

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Willian Estevao, who has been nicknamed ‘Messinho’, will join up with the Stamford Bridge club once he has turned 18 next summer, with the Blues paying €34m upfront.

Exact details of the 17-year-old’s contract with Chelsea have not been disclosed, but it has been reported that he will sign a nine-year deal that expires in 2033.

“Chelsea Football Club has agreed a deal to sign teenage forward Estevao Willian from Palmeiras, with the Brazilian to officially join Chelsea next summer,” the Blues published on their official website.

Fabrizio Romano had previously reported that the deal will be worth a total of €61m, which is above the release clause of the player.

The football transfer news expert has detailed the conditions of the transfer, which heavily leans towards bonus payments.

The Blues have structured their approach in this way, though, to ensure that they are not out of pocket immediately and will only pay the full price if Estevao reaches his potential.

Chelsea will pay €34m up front, with €6m potentially following depending on his Palmeiras appearances. Another €17m is based on being a “multi-season starter” at Chelsea, with €4m in difficult add-ons.

Romano says that there is a specific Ballon d’Or bonus included in the deal.

Willian Estevao the latest young talent at Chelsea

Chelsea have been working hard in the market to secure the brightest young talent from Brazil in recent seasons, and Willian Estevao will join the likes of Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington and Angelo Gabriel in the ranks of the BlueCo club.

Meanwhile, the Blues are also working on a deal to bring Aston Villa youngster Omari Kellyman to the club in a deal that will be in excess of €20m as they continue their policy of adding the game’s brightest young players to their ranks.