Chelsea have been told that their wonderkid signing Estevao Willian can reach the same dizzying heights as Lamine Yamal.
The Blues agreed to sign the 18-year-old from Palmeiras in June 2024 and will finally welcome him to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Estevao, who has been nicknamed as ‘Messinho’ in a comparison to Lionel Messi, has scored 26 goals and assisted 15 others for Palmeiras.
He will continue to play for the Brazilian giants at the Club World Cup before completing his journey to London and the Premier League.
Chelsea fans can get a first glimpse of his quality when Palmeiras face Porto on Sunday evening and the youngster has been given a glowing review by a former Blue.
Willian, who won two Premier League titles at Stamford Bridge, believes that Estevao can replicate the success Yamal has had with Barcelona.
“Without a doubt, he has a lot of potential, a lot of quality,” he said to ESPN Brasil.
“The player has the advantage of still being so young, but with great potential like Lamine Yamal, they have a similar style.
“I hope that he can be very successful here in England playing for Chelsea, he can win many titles, score a lot of goals with the Chelsea jersey and he will help to win titles over the years.”
Yamal is three months younger than Estevao but already offered a similar return in front of goal with Barcelona.
The teenager, who also plays as a winger, has a tally of 25 goals and 34 assists for Barca from 106 appearances across all competitions.
However, whilst Yamal may have been the more impressive player thus far, the Brazilian excitement for Estevao is clear to see.
Estevao could be set to shine for Palmeiras at the Club World CupGetty Willian has high hopes for the teenager in west LondonGetty He even thinks he could be as special as YamalGettyJoao Paulo Sampaio is head of the Palmeiras academy and compared Estevao to Neymar, who left Santos for Barcelona in 2013.
Sampaio told the BBC: “Estevao is the best player to have emerged from Brazilian football since Neymar. You watch him and you fall in love.
“He already impresses with his technique but, like Neymar at this same point in his career, he has not yet matured physically and is not as strong as Endrick, so he could still develop a lot.
“That’s what amazes everyone and makes them think that he will reach a much higher level.”
Estevao has already earned five caps with the Brazil national team and could play for them at the 2026 World Cup.
But before then, he will make his final appearances for Palmeiras at the Club World Cup before moving to Chelsea.
Both Estevao and Yamal have shown their quality in front of goal as teensTheir other opponents in Group A are Egyptian side Al Ahly and Inter Miami, who drew 0-0 in the tournament opener on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, Chelsea begin their campaign on Monday when they meet Los Angeles FC in Atlanta, live on talkSPORT.
The Blues then face Brazil’s Flamengo and Tunisian side Esperance de Tunis, with a top two finish in Group D sending them into the knockout stages.
Chelsea could even meet Estevao in the quarter-finals if they finish top and Palmeiras come runners-up in their group.
However, they may have to beat Bayern Munich of Benfica to get there, whilst Palmeiras could face Paris Saint-Germain or Atletico Madrid.
Flamengo goalkeeper Agustin Rossi on Estevao Willian
“Here in South American football, not just Brazilian football, we know that he’s a very important player.
“Despite his young age, he’s going to a club like Chelsea. I think the anticipation in England is great.
“Even in Brazil, just thinking about how much he’ll grow in a league like the Premier League.
“What I can say about him is that he has great characteristics, great performance.
“That’s how he got Chelsea’s attention. He’ll definitely be a great addition to Chelsea next season.”
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