Chelsea will be without ‘world-class player’ Estevao Willian for the new-look Club World Cup tournament this summer, his agent has confirmed.
The Blues announced in June that they’d signed the Brazil international teenager , 17, but he won’t move to west London up until the summer of 2025.
Estevao, who cost €34m (£29.2m) plus €23m (£19.8m) in add-ons, cannot join Chelsea until his 18th birthday passes this week due to current rules.
It had been suggested that Estevao could’ve featured for Chelsea at the Club World Cup but that’s now been ruled out by his agent Andre Cury.
‘He’s arriving (at Chelsea in July) after the Club World Cup,’ Cury told Spanish outlet AS about Estevao, who is currently still at Palmeiras. ‘He’s a world-class player. Very good. A guy who’s going to make history here.’
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'Estevão stands as the costliest transfer across all of Latin America. Coming in second is Vitor Roche, followed by Neymar at third place. I had the fortunate experience of facilitating all three transfers.'
Estevao Willian won the transfer competition over Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Paris-Saint Germain.
Cury was subsequently questioned regarding Barcelona's interest in Estevao. The Brazilian prodigy's agent disclosed that Chelsea had secured the player’s signature ahead of 'multiple teams,' which included rivals like Bayern Munich and PSG.
‘With Estevão, I received interest from PSG,’ Bayern Munich , Chelsea… from various clubs,' Cury added. 'It’s quite challenging to negotiate now because of the Financial Fair Play regulations.'
'Those without funds for investment aspire to achieve quick outcomes. Consider this scenario: Chelsea acquired Estevão a year back; they've spent an entire year waiting until now, in July, to fully benefit from his presence. This kind of patience isn't possible in Spain due to financial constraints. They simply cannot afford to wait.'
What do you think about Chelsea’s newest acquisition, Estevão William?
Chelsea’s new signing Estevao is the top Brazilian-born player since Neymar According to Brazil’s World Cup-winning player Branco.
Neymar himself has spoken glowingly about Estevao , suggesting that the teenager — who has already earned four caps with Brazil — will demonstrate his genius.
Chelsea’s present Brazilian player Andrey Santos believes that Estevao possesses 'great potential.' and is known as 'the face of Brazilian football' .
The Brazilian legend Ronaldo thinks that Estevão is ' somewhat similar to ' Barcelona and Spanish ace Lamine Yamal .
Chelsea superstar Cole Palmer has already contacted Estevão. although the West London team also possess immediate first-team plans for him.
Why are Chelsea in the Club World Cup and when does it start?
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will occur in the United States From June 14 through July 13.
This year's iteration of the tournament marks its debut with the revamped expanded structure, hosting a total of 32 teams, even though the competition has been ongoing for some time now.
FIFA rules state that Only up to two teams from the same nation are allowed to participate. .
Chelsea and Manchester City are the two English teams participating in 2025 due to their previous victories in the Champions League over the last four years.
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