Agent reveals Chelsea's surprise Estevao plan

Tom Weber

Updated: 7 Sep 2024 08:45 CDT
3 min read

Willian Estevao, Palmeiras, 2024 — © IMAGO

Chelsea believe that the future of Brazilian wonderkid Estevao lies in the No.10 role, according to his agent.

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The Palmeiras youngster was officially signed by Chelsea for 2025 earlier this summer. He will arrive at Stamford Bridge after his 18th birthday in a deal that can set the Blues back more than €60 million.

Expectations of the teenager will be sky-high when he touches down in west London as Estevao - nicknamed 'Messinho' - has taken Brazil by storm. Currently on international duty with the senior national team, the 17-year-old has dazzled with his performances back home.

At Palmeiras, he has primarily played as a right-winger, allowing him to cut inside onto his strong left foot. However, according to his agent Andre Cury, this is not the role Chelsea have in mind for him.

Estevao to play as a No.10

Speaking to UOL, the player's representative said: "He adapts to any style of play. Chelsea is a club that sees Estevao playing as a number 10 and that is important. He can develop even more by playing in the middle."

Cury's comment is particularly interesting in light of the fact that Fabrizio Romano previously revealed that Estevao will be immediately integrated into Chelsea's first team rather than getting sent out on loan to come to grips with European football.

In Joao Felix and Cole Palmer, Chelsea already have two high-calibre players who feel at home in a central attacking midfield role and another one is set to join in 2025 along with Estevao: Kendry Paez.

The Ecuador wonderkid has won plaudits with his performances in South America and the 17-year-old already has 13 senior caps under his belt. Given the level of his performances to date, he will surely also expect to be a Chelsea first-teamer once he arrives.

It seems that Chelsea's stockpiling of talent could yet cause more trouble further down the line.