Breaking news, Chelsea are willing to pay $80 million for the 'Brazilian Messi'

Since a few years ago, the top European clubs changed their recruitment policy. They used to target players who were already stars in other Premier League, La Liga, Serie A or Bundesliga teams, but now they are increasingly looking for younger players. That's why they no longer wait for other teams to buy them, but pay big money for young players who have started to stand out in South American clubs and take them as soon as possible.

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That is exactly what Real Madrid did with Federico Valverde, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes, and they will do it this year with Endrick. The same thing is happening in England: Manchester City agreed to buy Claudio Echeverri, Argentine forward from River Plate, for almost $25 million. And Chelsea have intentions to do the same with the 'Brazilian Messi'.

According to Sport newspaper, some representatives of the English side traveled this week to Brazil to meet with the chiefs of Palmeiras and negotiate the purchase of Estevao Willian. The left-winger is only 16 years old, but has already attracted the attention of the world's top clubs for his talent and has earned the nickname 'Messinho', in homage to the Inter Miami forward. In fact, despite his young age, he has already had the opportunity to make his club debut and in 2023 was part of the Brazilian National Team that competed in the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, where they were eliminated in the quarterfinals against Argentina.

Reports indicate that Chelsea are willing to pay Estevao Willian's exit clause. His value is €60 million, although the transfer could cost more than €75 million (about $82 million), considering taxes, commissions and other expenses. However, the forward would only join the English side in the summer of 2025, after his 18th birthday.

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They have spent a lot of money lately

Chelsea are one of the clubs that have spent the most on player signings in recent seasons. In fact, during 2023 they twice broke the record for the most expensive purchase in Premier League history, when they paid $132 million for Enzo Fernandez and then $146 million for Moises Caicedo.