Estêvão’s transfer from Palmeiras to Chelsea may not be official yet, but the talks seem to be so advanced that the Brazilian club don’t mind confirming it.
Following last night’s game against Botafogo-SP, manager Abel Ferreira held a press conference and had many questions about the youngster’s future.
In quotes brought by ESPN Brasil, the coach appeared to confirm the deal and praised club president Leila Pereira for being such a good negotiator.
“Regarding Estêvão and values, sometimes I’m afraid to speak publicly about what I think of players, because I’m never sure what’s going to happen in football. Yes, I can’t change what I’ve already said. I think he’s a player who seems to have the ball stuck to his foot and does different things. As for the values, I have to give credit to our president, because if there’s one thing she does well, it’s negotiate.
“She’s very good at that! Barros also does his job very well. What can I say? One year selling Endrick to Real Madrid and another now, although nobody has confirmed anything to me, to be honest.”
Speaking of Chelsea, Ferreira made some jokes, claiming he’s afraid that the Blues will end up taking more people from Palmeiras.
“For Chelsea, what I’m afraid of is that nobody else will leave, not staff, players, coaches, but nobody. Let them leave us alone. We want temptation to stay away.
“I just hope Chelsea don’t take anyone else. I’m even scared. There’s a lot of good work going on at the academy. Since we arrived here, there hasn’t been a week when four or five players haven’t come to train with us.”
As reported by the Brazilian media this week, Chelsea and Palmeiras have an agreement for Estêvão to move for €45m plus €20m in bonuses. The clubs have already exchanged documents and there’s a seven-year contract waiting to be signed by the player. There’s also a clause saying the youngster will play for 2025 Club World Cup for Palmeiras, even though Chelsea will also take part in the tournament.
Now we’ll see if Chelsea will really stay away from Palmeiras, or Abel Ferreira will have to fight them.
