Chelsea are back in the Champions League next season after a few years, and therefore, they need more depth and quality. So they are in the market to make more acquisitions.
The Blues have been busy scouting young talents from all over the world, and one signing which caught everyone’s eye was when they signed Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian from Palmeiras.
The highly rated forward was signed for a record Brazilian transfer fee of £56 million ($71m) and is all set to join Chelsea following the FIFA Club World Cup, where his team, Palmeiras, have progressed to the knockout round after topping Group A over Inter Miami, Porto and Al Ahly.
In a recent interaction with GE Globo, the 18-year-old revealed that he has had anxiety issues following his Chelsea move. The thought of moving to the Premier League has affected his focus in the final phase for Palmeiras.
“Very difficult, it’s a dream that I’m going to make come true, knowing that I have to focus here and work. It’s not easy, you have to keep your head here. The closer we get, the more anxiety sets in, the butterflies in my stomach,” he said when asked about his big-money Chelsea move.
“I’m trying to focus as much as possible here to leave well, with my head held high and through the front door and knowing that I gave my best.”
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How has Estevao performed in the Club World Cup?
Estevao has been tremendous for Palmeiras in the ongoing tournament in the United States. He was awarded the ‘Man of the Match’ award against Al Ahly and Porto in the Club World Cup group stage fixtures.
He is Palmeiras’ joint highest-goalscorer in 2025 with 11 goals, tied with Flaco Lopez. He has also provided five assists this year.
Estevao reveals that his family helps him remain grounded despite the outside noise. “They keep my feet on the ground, they demand the best here to focus, to keep my head here. Sometimes it’s difficult, you imagine yourself in Europe, playing with several other players, with everything that Europe represents, a dream of mine. But I’m trying my best to focus my head here, because I have a lot to give to Palmeiras,” the youngster concluded.
The teenage sensation will now focus on Palmeiras’ round of 16 game against Botafogo. Interestingly, there’s a possibility of him going up against Chelsea if both teams win their round of 16 matches.
