Well it looks like it’s really happening. Rumours that started trickling out of Brazil last weekend are now turning into a full torrent of information from top sources like Fabrizio Romano, all reporting on the same thing: Chelsea are closing on Willian Estevao.
The thrilling Palmeiras wonderkid really looks like a “generational talent” as the kids say, and is certainly held in higher regard than our other recent additions from Brazil like Angelo Gabriel or Deivid Washington.
Romano’s latest update is discussing the potential payment structure for the 17 year old, which shows just how far along the deal has come. The overall idea seems to be that Chelsea are willing to pay more than Willian’s release clause (€55m) but they want to spread that cost out, with an initial proposal apparently putting forward a lump sum of €32m with €25m of add-ons which are based on how the player performs.
As Ben Jacobs points out however, no official offer has yet been made by Chelsea. It will be interesting to see whether those numbers are acceptable to Palmeiras. Romano says that personal terms between the player and the club are “already agreed.”
🔵🇧🇷 More on Willian Estevão and Chelsea. Club’s plan is to offer around €32m plus add-ons in excess of release clause value (€55m).
Initial proposal could be €32m plus €25m in add-ons, based on Estevão’s performances.
🤝🏻 Personal terms already agreed, as reported. pic.twitter.com/d4YgyJPY9w
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 8, 2024
Palmeiras expect a guaranteed fee of €40-45m for Estêvão Willian and a total package exceeding €60m.
Chelsea advancing things, and are optimistic as reported yesterday, but no official offer has been sent yet.🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/jhj266NwBv
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) May 8, 2024
Another divisive transfer
This should be the sort of move which gets all the fans onside and excited to see it happen. This kid is being called the new Neymar, how could you not want us to sign him?
But fans are tired of this youth focused strategy, which is so far really leading to suffering on the pitch. We are piling up these players without any obvious place for them to play or any clear pathway for them. A deal like this would be a lot more popular had we not blown huge amounts on players like Gabriel and Washington (and that’s just the start) a year ago.
That’s good