Chelsea's own Neymar? Maresca excited about 'fantastic' Estevao

Tom Weber

• Updated: 16 Sept 2024 18:32 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea are very excited about the 2025 arrival of Estevao Willian.

The Brazilian youngster was officially signed by the Blues in the summer as part of another lavish spending spree. Chelsea showed themselves willing to shell out north of €60 million on the 17-year-old, who will join the club from Palmeiras next year.

Estevao, nicknamed 'Messinho' in his native Brazil, has been tearing up the domestic game in his home country, notching 15 goal contributions in his last 21 appearances. This form has also seen him rewarded with a debut for Brazil's senior national team.

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Despite being a tricky winger whose game is reminiscent of that of a young Neymar, Estevao's agent recently revealed that Chelsea view the teenager as a future No.10.

On Sunday, Estevao netted once in a 5-0 beatdown of Criciuma and this prompted a Brazilian journalist to quiz Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca on the youngster.

Maresca excited about Estevao

The Italian couldn't hide his excitement before taking a cheeky swipe at Chelsea's recruitment given that they already have a wealth of players in general and attacking options in particular.

"Yes, we are following him. He is doing fantastic - but, unfortunately, he is doing fantastic there and not with us. We are going to wait until next summer when he will arrive here but, for sure, we are very happy in the way he is doing these things."

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"No, no, no [I have not spoken to Estevao]. I have so many players to speak [laughs]. No, I didn't speak with him."

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea's hierarchy believe that they have unearthed a real gem in Estevao. He also revealed that his current form is also brilliant news for Palmeiras as some of the add-ons in their deal with Chelsea already pertain to this season's performances.

"Every goal, every assist is also money for Palmeiras," Romano said on his YouTube channel on Monday.