Chelsea solve Jadon Sancho Man Utd transfer dilemma as Enzo Maresca sent 'next Neymar' reminder

Chelsea solve Jadon Sancho Man Utd transfer dilemma as Enzo Maresca sent 'next Neymar' reminder Newspoint | 05/04/2025 04:39:26

Estevao Willian has sent Chelsea a timely reminder ahead of his arrival in the summer. The 17-year-old winger, who the Blues signed from Palmeiras for £29m in June 2024, in the CONMEBOL Libertadores on Thursday night.

put the Brazilian giants ahead shortly before half-time after . Palmeiras enjoyed a 3-2 win at the Alberto Gallardo Stadium, with three points taking them to second in Group G.

After the game, Estevao marked the victory with a celebratory post on Instagram – which eclipsed 100,000 likes overnight. The Chelsea youngster said: "God, . Great night of Libertadores, very happy for the victory and the goal, let's continue!"

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Estevao has now featured 16 times for Palmeiras this year, scoring six goals. The Blues raised eyebrows when they forked out such a hefty fee for the teenage sensation, but .

Last season, Estevao featured 31 times for Palmeiras in the Brasileirão, scoring 13 goals and providing nine assists. Despite missing a few games with an ankle injury and a hamstring strain, .

In 2009, at the same age, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward managed to notch 16 direct goal contributions for Santos in the Brazilian top flight. After lots skepticism, Chelsea can be assured that, slowly but surely, .

With Jadon Sancho struggling to impress, on a permanent basis. Instead, Enzo Maresca can integrate Estevao into first-team setup.

Speaking to last month, the teenager revealed that he's 'very anxious' about joining Chelsea. On '', Estevao said: "All the time, I'm very anxious to go."

On advice he's received from his fellow countryman in the Premier League, he added: "And they come and talk to me, give me tips. Murillo, Savinho... I ask them how this is, how that is. These things are important for getting there to have less difficulty in adapting."

Estevao has enjoyed a rich vein of form since bursting onto the scene in Brazil. Speaking to in June 2024, the head of Palmeiras' Academy showered the new Chelsea youngster with praise.

Joao Paulo Sampaio said: "Estevao is the best player to have emerged from Brazilian football since Neymar. You watch him and you fall in love. He already impresses with his technique.

"But, like Neymar at this same point in his career, he has not yet matured physically and is not as strong as Endrick, so he could still develop a lot. That's what amazes everyone and makes them think that he will reach a much higher level."

Meanwhile, Neymar tipped Estevao to be a 'genius'. As quoted by , the 33-year-old said: "He is a great talent that is emerging in Brazilian football today. I think he's going to be a genius."