Sport
Chelsea Signs 17-Year-Old Brazilian Star Estevao Willian and Plans Attack Shake-Up
Former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has highlighted a major shift in Chelsea’s strategy, focusing on 17-year-old Brazilian prodigy Estevao Willian over Christopher Nkunku in their planning for the future.
Estevao Willian, one of Brazil’s brightest young talents, has officially signed with Chelsea and is set to join the Premier League club in the summer of 2025 after turning 18, in compliance with league regulations.
The deal, reportedly worth an initial €34 million, was struck with Palmeiras, beating stiff competition from several top European clubs keen to secure the services of the highly-rated teenager.
Currently, Estevao is a standout performer in Brazil’s Serie A, leading the league in goals and assists.
With 12 goals and 8 assists in just 27 appearances this season, he has already etched his name in Brazilian football as a record-breaking talent, even surpassing milestones set by Neymar in his youth.
Petit, speaking about Chelsea’s plans, noted that Estevao’s arrival would impact Nkunku’s role in the team.
Nkunku, who was a marquee signing from RB Leipzig, has had a promising yet challenging start at Chelsea, with injuries disrupting his momentum.
The French international has showcased his versatility and skill, both for his club and the French national team, but the arrival of Estevao could see him transition into a striker’s role to accommodate the young Brazilian in the attacking midfield position.
“Estevao Willian is a player of incredible quality.
At just 17, he has already broken Neymar’s records in Brazil, and his potential is limitless,” Petit explained during an interview.
“The Chelsea board is clear about their plans for him. He is being groomed for the number 10 role, a position he has excelled in back in Brazil.
This move reflects the club’s vision for the future, prioritizing youth and talent.”
Nkunku, on the other hand, remains an integral part of Chelsea’s setup.
His versatility allows him to adapt to different roles on the pitch, and while injuries have held him back, his performances when fit have been commendable.
Despite the shift in priorities, Petit emphasized that Chelsea is still keen to maximize Nkunku’s potential, especially in a more advanced role where his goal-scoring ability could be better utilized.
Lionel Messi says he’s heading into this year’s FIFA Club World Cup with a fresh perspective as he gears up to represent Inter Miami on the global stage. The Herons are set to begin their campaign at the Hard Rock Stadium against Egyptian side Al Ahly, in what will be the first-ever expanded 32-team edition of the tournament.
Messi, who has already won the Club World Cup three times with Barcelona, admitted that things feel different this time around. “It’s a special tournament and I’m excited to be part of it again,” he said. “But my mindset is different now compared to when I played it with other teams. Still, I feel energized and hopeful. I’m ready to compete against top teams and give my best.”
This will mark Messi’s fourth appearance at the Club World Cup, but his first with an MLS side, making it a milestone moment for both him and Inter Miami.
Galatasaray are reportedly prepared to make Victor Osimhen the highest-paid player in Turkish football history if he chooses to remain with the club. The Nigerian striker had a sensational 2024/2025 season on loan in Istanbul, scoring 37 goals and delivering eight assists in just 41 games. His efforts helped Galatasaray clinch both the Turkish Super Lig title and the Turkish Cup.
While Osimhen has yet to confirm where he’ll play next season, Galatasaray are eager to keep him. In the meantime, they’ve added German winger Leroy Sane to their squad on a free transfer from Bayern Munich. Sane is expected to earn €12 million per season after tax, currently the highest salary in the Turkish league.
But Galatasaray are reportedly ready to go even further for Osimhen. The club is willing to offer him €15 million a year after tax—significantly more than what Sane will earn. Osimhen has already turned down a massive deal from Saudi side Al-Hilal, who were ready to pay him €40 million per year plus €5 million in bonuses, showing he’s weighing more than just money in his decision.
Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, believes Ousmane Dembélé has done more than enough to earn this year’s Ballon d’Or. Dembélé has been in top form throughout the 2025 season, scoring 25 goals and playing a key part in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic trophy sweep. PSG ended the season with wins in Ligue 1, the Champions League, Coupe de France, and the Trophée des Champions.
In a chat with Le Figaro, Diallo said, “He might just be the favourite. Dembélé has had a remarkable season.” He added that it’s great to see two French stars—Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé—being serious contenders for the award, but made it clear Dembélé truly deserves the top prize.
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