Chelsea can avoid splashing out a huge transfer fee this summer due to the imminent arrival of a teenage star from Brazil. The club has already agreed to sign Palmeiras sensation Esteavo for a £34million fee, with the winger set to turn 18 in late April.
He already has four senior caps for Brazil. He debuted in September 2024 in the World Cup qualifier against Ecuador, appearing as a second-half substitute in the 1-0 win.
His maiden full season at the club level last year was also a success. He scored 15 times in 45 club appearances and played a crucial role in the Serie A title win.
His form has led to Brazilian legend Denilson lauding his move to London. The ex-Real Betis forward believes he has the potential to match Real Madrid star Endrick, who made his own move to Spain from Palmeiras in 2024.
“Endrick will be one of them, but I’m excited about Estevao, who is going to Chelsea,” he told AS. “English football has changed, and his style will adapt well. He’s intelligent, a great dribbler and has a goal. He’s a great signing.”
Chelsea beat off competition from a host of top European clubs to seal the signing, agreeing an extra year in his homeland would better aid his development. But now his arrival could save Todd Boehly and co around £70m in the next transfer window.
Throughout the January transfer window, the Blues were heavily linked with a move for Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho. They reportedly had a bid in the region of £65m turned down, despite United seemingly being open to a sale to boost their standing with FFP regulations.
The latest development surrounding the Argentinian has inevitably ramped up speculation of a summer exit. He stormed down the tunnel after being substituted in the win over Ipswich in midweek, having been the victim of a tactical change after Patrick Dorgu was sent off.
But given Chelsea’s recent history, the risk of trying to fit in an expensive new signing is surely too great. Instead, the smart move for Enzo Maresca would be to invest time in a player rated as a long-term prospect on the elite stage.
Putting faith in Esteavo could also open the door to releasing three other wingers off the books. Joao Felix has already been loaned out to AC Milan following his summer move from Atletico Madrid, while Raheem Sterling is currently struggling with his own temporary move to Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho failed to revitalise his career at Stamford Bridge after his loan move from Manchester United. Embracing Estevao’s potential, therefore, could not only prove a shrewd move on the field but also ease the financial pressures on the club off it.