Chelsea seem set to continue signing teenage players from South America this year.
Andrey Santos became the first, leaving Vasco da Gama in January 2023 before the Blues bought Angelo Gabriel and Deivid Washington from Santos during that summer transfer window. They also agreed on a deal to sign Independiente del Valle attacking midfielder Kendry Paez, who joins this summer alongside Palmeiras winger Estevao Willian.
All but Paez, who is still playing in his native Ecuador, come from Brazil. Another of the country’s youth internationals now appears Stamford Bridge -bound next year to join their growing South American contingent, which also includes Aaron Anselmino. Here is a look at the latest Chelsea headlines…
‘Great signing’
World Cup winner Denilson believes Estevao will be one of the next big things in Brazilian football. In an interview with AS , the one-time most expensive player in the world said: “I’m excited about Estevão, who is going to Chelsea. English football has changed, and his style will adapt well. He’s intelligent, a great dribbler and he can score goals. He’s a great signing.”
football.london says: Estevao appears best placed to become the first South American signing to break into the Chelsea first-team. If not necessarily next season, the fee paid should afford the teenager more opportunities than the others.
‘Deal agreed’
Chelsea have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Denner Evangelista next year. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are said to be paying Corinthians around an initial £8 million, with the potential for over another £3 million in add-ons going to the Brazilian club.
Denner, though, is not due to join the club until 2026 but is due to sign a contract through to 2032, the same length as the deal Enzo Fernandez is on. Cole Palmer, Mathis Amougou and Nicolas Jackson are the only players contracted for longer, all until the following season.
football.london says: Despite only recently turning 17, the full-back has starred for Corinthians’ academy this season, with Chelsea scouts attending multiple matches and being impressed. The Blues do not have much depth at left-back, so reportedly signing a promising youngster makes sense.
