Chelsea’s new signing Estevao Willian was stretchered off in Palmeiras’ 3-2 CONMEBOL Libertadores victory over Club Bolivar on Thursday.
The 18-year-old Brazil international, who cost €34m (£29.2m) plus €23m (£19.8m) in add-ons, is heading to Stamford Bridge in July after the Club World Cup tournament concludes in the United States this summer.
Blues fans have been keeping a close eye on the Brazilian wonderkid ever since Chelsea announced they’d completed a deal for him in June 2024.
There’s an incredible amount of hype over the winger – who is tipped to become one of the best footballers on the planet – but Chelsea supporters were left worried on Thursday that he’d suffered a serious injury.
Estevao, who is playing for Palmeiras until the summer, was taken off on a stretcher during the Brazilian club’s win against Bolivian side Club Bolivar.
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‘Estevão Willian left the pitch on a stretcher,’ Chelsea fan account @Bluecoxtra posted on X. ‘Hopefully not a serious injury.’
He also vomited during the clash – but it’s since been confirmed Estevao is not injured – and was instead struggling with the high altitude in La Paz.
Estevao Willian says Chelsea move is the ‘right decision’
Estevao gave an interview to The Players’ Tribune this week after his 18th birthday passed, opening up about his move to Chelsea later this year.
‘I think this transition to European football will help me grow even more as a player,’ he said. ‘Especially since [I’m] going to one of the biggest clubs in the world.
‘A lot 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.
‘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.
‘Until then, I simply want to enjoy these last few months at Palmeiras. You know how hard it will be for me to leave the Palmeiras fans. The truth is that I barely even know what to tell them.
‘From the first moment I stepped on the pitch, they have shown me so much love and affection. To know that I’ve been able to give them joy in return… It’s a priceless feeling. This club will always have a special place in my heart.’
Estevao Willian is ‘the best Brazilian since Neymar’
Estevao is the best Brazilian-born player since Neymar, according to Brazil’s World Cup winner Branco.
Neymar himself has lauded Estevao, predicting the teen – already capped four times by Brazil – will prove himself as a ‘genius’ in football.
Andrey Santos, Chelsea’s current Brazilian star, says Estevao has ‘huge potential’ and is ‘the face of Brazilian football’.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, believes that Estevao is ‘kind of like’ Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal.
Cole Palmer has already reached out to Estevao while it’s also been reported the west London club have immediate first-team plans for him.