Chelsea confirm £51m Estevao Willian transfer as big spending continues

Chelsea have officially confirmed the signing of Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian, with the 17-year-old set to join next summer.

The teenager will join from Brazilian club Palmeiras in a deal that could rise to as high as £51m, which would make Willian the most expensive South American teenager in history.

Willian completed medical checks in Brazil earlier this week and has signed a long-term deal at Stamford Bridge.

Dubbed ‘Little Messi’ in Brazil, the winger is one of the most highly regarded prospects in world football and Chelsea chiefs consider him as a major star for the future.

The club’s new owners have targeted young talents since taking over in 2022, having missed out on Real Madrid-bound Endrick.

Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington, Angelo and Kendry Paez have all been signed, with Paez set to join Willian in arriving next summer.

The Blues are also closing in on a deal to sign Aston Villa teenager Omari Kellyman.

They have agreed a £19m fee with the Midlands giants for the highly-rated attacking midfielder, having already signed defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham.