Estevao Willian follows in Cole Palmer's Chelsea footsteps before transfer move

Estevao Willian's success in Brazil has already drawn parallels with Cole Palmer at Chelsea.

The Blues signed Estevao from Palmeiras in the summer, agreeing an initial £29million deal, which includes performance-based add-ons, before loaning him back to the Brazilian outfit, where he has featured 31 times, scoring 13 goals and providing nine assists.

And the talented 17-year-old has since won the ESPN Brasileirão Player of the Season award, making him the youngest winner since Neymar in 2011. The winger was also named 'Best Forward'.

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But it was his success at winning 'Best Young Player' which will draw comparisons with Palmer. Chelsea's star playmaker effectively won the same award in England after being crowned the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season for the 2023/24 campaign.

It's an exciting prospect for Chelsea fans to potentially have the best young player in England and Brazil in their team next year. Palmer has become a vital player for Enzo Maresca's side, and the Blues will be hoping that Estevao can add an extra dimension to what is already a fearsome attack.

Chelsea's transfer policy has been ridiculed in some quarters, but could they now be getting the reward for their lavish spending? Their position in the Premier League table suggests so and with the age profile of some of their stars, they are only likely to get better.

Estevao posted a long message on Instagram on Tuesday as he thanked God for helping him to achieve what he has already done in football so far. The Brazilian also looked forward to the new year ahead of his summer move to Stamford Bridge in 2025.

"Extremely happy for all that God has done in my life this year," he said. "I am passionate about what I do, I love playing soccer, soccer is what I know how to do best, at 17 years old living what I'm living is only with God in my life.

"I am a servant. To God I don't have to prove anything to anyone except my family because they are always with me, they know my goals and where I want to reach, I just have to be grateful for having a blessed family.

"I can't get tired of thanking God for a wonderful year. He has done in my life, as a first professional season I'm very happy to have helped Palmeiras with goals, assists, giving the most of me at each training at each game and thanks to God I received several awards today. Individuals I dedicate to God to all my family that is coming and to all who are in Franca and Palmeiras athletes, committee and staff, and also to my staff.

"Thanks to the fans and those people who cheered for me for my growth and my development you are also part of it. As for the collective side far from being a year we've been waiting for, we know where we went wrong, where we left wishing for more, we never stop fighting to run until the last second. Now it's time to reflect, rest, recharge the energies to turn it around next year, together always! All honor and glory to God".