Chelsea fans may not have to wait much longer to see one of the club’s most intriguing signings step onto the pitch in blue. Estevao Willian, the 18-year-old Brazilian winger regarded by many as a generational talent, has now been spotted at Cobham just days before the 2025/26 season kicks off.
Chelsea confirmed an agreement with Palmeiras for Estevao over a year ago in a deal worth an initial £29 million, potentially rising to £51 million with add-ons. After a record-breaking season in Brazil, the youngster now looks set to begin the next chapter of his career in West London.
A Standout at the Club World Cup
Before officially joining Chelsea, Estevao gave supporters a glimpse of his talent on the biggest stage. Playing for Palmeiras during the Club World Cup, he scored a stunning solo goal against Chelsea in the quarter-finals. His performance turned heads, and following the match, he was seen swapping shirts with Cole Palmer, already leaving an impression at Stamford Bridge before even arriving.
That goal reinforced the club’s belief that they had secured one of the brightest young prospects in world football.
Chelsea’s Plan: No Loan, First-Team Integration
Unlike some of Chelsea’s other emerging talents—such as Kendry Paez and Mike Penders, who are heading out on loan—Estevao will remain at Stamford Bridge for the upcoming season. The club intends to keep him within Enzo Maresca’s senior squad and manage his development carefully from within.
Although Chelsea won’t rush him into a starting role, they are confident he will be ready to contribute over the course of the season. With multiple competitions on the calendar, including the club’s return to the Champions League, Estevao is expected to feature regularly when the opportunities arise.
Spotted at Cobham Ahead of Official Unveiling
Estevao has not yet been officially announced as part of Chelsea’s preseason squad, but he has been seen at the club. He appeared in a photo on the Instagram story of 14-year-old Isaac McGillvary, a youth player joining Chelsea from Manchester City. In the image, Estevao was wearing a Chelsea tracksuit, a clear sign he is settling in behind the scenes.
The official unveiling of Estevao, along with other summer signings, is likely to come soon ahead of friendly matches against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan.
🏆🔵 The world champions are back for their first training session!
— Blue Agenda 💙⚽️ (@TheBlueAgenda) August 5, 2025
⁰All the new signings were involved including Estêvão Willian. 💫#CFC #ChelseaFC #Estevao #TrainingDay pic.twitter.com/siAqofkFVM
Fierce Competition for Game Time
Estevao will face strong competition for the right-wing position, where he is most comfortable. New signing Pedro Neto is expected to push for starts in that role, especially following the departure of Noni Madueke. Cole Palmer also featured on the right during the Club World Cup final and remains a key player in Maresca’s plans.
Even so, Chelsea’s busy schedule will allow for rotation, and the club believes Estevao has the ability to seize his chances when they arrive.
A New Chapter Begins
With the new season just around the corner, the excitement around Estevao Willian’s arrival continues to build. From his days growing up in Franca, Brazil, to scoring goals against European clubs on the world stage, his journey has been remarkable.
Now, as he prepares to step into one of the most competitive leagues in the world, Chelsea fans will be watching closely. The club believes they have signed a future star—and the next few months may show just how special Estevao Willian really is.
