As Chelsea continue their pursuit of Palmeiras youngster Estevão Willian, the wonderkid is going through an important process in Brazil.
The 16-year-old had just taken part in the U-20 Copa São Paulo this month, and with his club knocked-out, he’s now promoted to the first team, as reported by Globo Esporte.
Estevão is treated as Pameiras’ biggest jewel, and they want him in the main squad from a very early age. There are a couple of reasons for that.
With European clubs taking South American talents very early, sometimes the Brazilian clubs have to make the most of their youngsters before they turn 18 and leave the country.
This is the case of Endrick, who was just 16 when sold to Real Madrid in 2022. As he stays at Palmeiras until he turns 18, he was decisive in last year’s league title.
Regarding Estevão, Globo Esporte writes that Chelsea already showed their interest in paying for his release clause, and now follow him from close.
So his promotion to the first team and the big plans for him should not be taken as a message from Palmeiras that he’s blocked from moving. That may even be the opposite, with the club rushing to use him as much as possible.
