da bwin： Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Estevao Willian from Palmeiras in a deal that could be worth £56m ($71m).

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Chelsea sign Willian from Palmeiras Could be offered a long-term contract Set to travel to England when he turns 18 WHAT HAPPENED?

The agreement reportedly includes an upfront payment of €34 million (£29m/$36m), with an additional €23 million (£20m/$26m) tied to performance-based incentives, highlighting Chelsea's confidence in Willian's future impact. Willian is expected to sign a long-term contract, expected to span at least seven years, which will help the Blues mitigate the challenges posed by the Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.

AdvertisementGOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Willian will set sail for England in 2025 when he turns 18. Chelsea's pursuit of the youngster has been years in the making, with the club closely monitoring his progress. His performances this season have solidified his reputation, with 10 appearances in the Brazilian Serie A, contributing two goals and two assists. Additionally, he has found the net in both the Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil, showcasing his scoring ability on the biggest stages.

DID YOU KNOW?

This structured deal mirrors a similar arrangement Palmeiras made with Real Madrid for Endrick in December 2022. Endrick's transfer involved a €35 million (£30m/$37m) upfront payment and €25 million (£21m/$27m) in bonuses, and he will join Real Madrid next month.

GettyWHAT NEXT?

Upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge, Estevao Willian will join a growing list of young Brazilian players at Chelsea. This includes Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington, and Angelo Gabriel, all representing the club's strategic investment in South American talent. This approach aims to blend young potential with established stars, fostering a balanced squad capable of competing at the highest levels in England and Europe.