Top European Powerhouse Nearly Hijacked Chelsea's Estevao Deal—Exclusive Report
Chelsea seems to have struck gold with their acquisition of Estêvão, though securing his signature wasn't a certainty as the Blues faced competition from Paris Saint-Germain who had shown previous interest.
Estêvão joined Chelsea during summer 2024 through a £51 million ($67.5 million) agreement that secured a future move from Palmeiras once he reaches 18 years old. This approach mirrored Real Madrid's strategy with Vinicius Junior and Endrick, highlighting a key element of the Premier League club's scouting philosophy focused on discovering raw talent across South America.
Previous young Brazilian acquisitions hadn't lived up to expectations—consider Deivid Washington and Ângelo Gabriel. However, Estêvão, despite not being a consistent domestic starter, has already contributed six goals and assists, including three strikes in his most recent Champions League appearances.
Representing Brazil, the 18-year-old has scored five goals across six senior matches this season and appears poised to emerge as a standout performer at the upcoming World Cup.
However, his journey could have taken a completely different path, as Fabrizio Romano has revealed.
Though Barcelona maintained strong links at different stages and share close ties with the player's agent Andre Cury, any genuine chance for that transfer existed only "long time ago". The real challenge for Chelsea came from PSG, who engaged in "advanced discussions" but withdrew after considering Palmeiras' financial demands excessive.
Chelsea, on the other hand, willingly agreed to that investment, structured as £29 million upfront with additional performance-based clauses. The reality is that if those bonuses activate, it demonstrates Estêvão's success and validates the expenditure.
Estêvão 'More Stable Than Neymar'
Recent developments suggest Estêvão will not only participate in Brazil's World Cup campaign but serve as a key figure in their pursuit of their first championship since 2002. Twelve months ago, Endrick held similar expectations, but Estêvão's former Palmeiras colleague now requires a January move just to secure regular playing opportunities.
Estêvão is being hailed as Brazil's most promising prospect since Neymar emerged in 2010. Importantly though, circumstances suggest he's positioned for greater sustained success than the Selecão's record scorer, whose trajectory has declined since 2017.
"He's considered the finest, most gifted player to emerge from Brazil since Neymar, with certain benefits. He appears more grounded than Neymar and currently carries less controversy. The possibilities are endless," South American football specialist Tim Vickery explained to Sky Sports.
"Comparisons with elite players create pressure but he responds remarkably well to such expectations. From his debut, you could recognize exceptional ability. Since Carlo Ancelotti assumed Brazil's coaching role, this talent has become vital to the national squad. His first start coincided with Ancelotti's opening match, and he's netted five times between September and November. He's essential to Brazil's World Cup ambitions next year."