In a stunning turn of events, Estevao Willian has etched his name in history as Brazil’s sixth youngest debutante, showcasing his talent in a thrilling World Cup qualifier against Ecuador.
Rumors of Chelsea’s interest in the 17-year-old have been swirling for some time, with the Premier League giants sealing a massive €57m deal to secure his services. However, due to FIFA regulations, Estevao will have to wait until he turns 18 to officially join Stamford Bridge in July 2025.
Despite his young age, there has been no hesitation in thrusting Estevao into the limelight, with Palmeiras recognizing his potential to become a future star. Coach Dorival Junior took a bold move by introducing him off the bench in the second half against Ecuador, leaving fans at Estadio Couto Pereira in awe.
While Estevao couldn’t help Brazil extend their lead, he came close to providing an assist for Vinicius Junior, who narrowly missed the target. Dorival Junior’s decision to bring on the young talent shows his confidence in Estevao, raising questions about his potential starting role in the upcoming games.
Furthermore, Chelsea fans have another reason to be excited with the impending arrival of Kendry Paez, who has already agreed to join the club in July 2025 for a reported fee of £17m. Paez, born just 10 days apart from Estevao, made an impact for Ecuador despite coming off the bench, showcasing his talent and experience on the international stage.
Paez’s consistent performances for Independiente del Valle, with 57 games under his belt and contributions of 12 goals and six assists, highlight his potential to make waves at Chelsea. With both Estevao and Paez set to embark on their Premier League journeys, the future looks bright for these talented young stars.