“They don’t understand” – Estevao Willian reveals reasons behind decision to join Chelsea | OneFootball

“They don’t understand” – Estevao Willian reveals reasons behind decision to join Chelsea | OneFootball

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·25 April 2025

“They don’t understand” – Estevao Willian reveals reasons behind decision to join Chelsea

Article image:“They don’t understand” – Estevao Willian reveals reasons behind decision to join Chelsea

Estevao Willian has opened up on his decision to join Chelsea and revealed how much the Blues wanted him was an important factor in the decision.

Chelseas agreed a deal with Palmeiras for the 18-year-old last summer, which could eventually be worth up to £51.4m.


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Estevao will link up with his new team-mates after the Club World Cup and there’s a lot of excitement surrounding his arrival at Chelsea.

Estevao on why he chose Chelsea

The Blues have heavily targeted the South American market under the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership, and have signed a number of the continent’s top talents.

Andrey Santos has had a brilliant season at Strasbourg and is expected to have a key role next season, whilst Estevao and Kendry Paez are widely regarded as two of the best talents in South America.

Estevao has broken records set by Neymar in the Brazilian League, and Chelsea are said to view him as a generational talent.

Article image:“They don’t understand” – Estevao Willian reveals reasons behind decision to join Chelsea

Estevao will join Chelsea after the Club World Cup this summer. (Photo by Heuler Andrey/Getty Images)

The teenager is already a full Brazil international and he’s opened up on his decision to make the switch to Chelsea in a recent interview.

“A of people are asking me why we chose Chelsea, but they don’t understand how much Chelsea wanted me, and how much belief they have in my potential,” he told The Players’ Tribune.

“Those people don’t know about the project they presented to us. To a young player, these things matter a lot, and I know we’ve made the right decision to go to London.”

Estevao’s agent has previously said the chance to play as a number ten was also a key factor in their decision to make the switch to Stamford Bridge.

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Estevao has a fantastic record for Palmeiras with 22 goals and 11 assists in 68 appearances, which for his age is a brilliant return.

The attacker revealed last month how he’s “very anxious” to join Chelsea, and it will be fascinating to see how he adapts to the Premier League.

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