Chelsea golden boy risks all-out war with Cole Palmer after bold confession

Cole Palmer has gone the extra mile to make Estevao Willian feel welcome ahead of his much-anticipated move to Chelsea.

At the age of just 17, Estevao is tearing up the Brazilian Serie A with Palmeiras. And Chelsea stars evidently can’t wait to link up with the Brazilian, who recently admitted that Palmer and Reece James have already contacted him on social media with words of encouragement.

So impressive are Estevao’s exploits in his homeland, he could have a claim to a spot in Enzo Maresca’s starting line-up as soon as he lands at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2025. But questions remain over where he will play.

The £50million youngster has enjoyed tremendous success as a winger, relishing battles with full-backs and racking up 22 goal contributions in 31 league matches this season. But he himself has confessed that he feels more comfortable in the No 10 role.

“I’ve always been a No 10 and I went to the wing to have one-on-ones,” he told ESPN Brasil. “Of course, I respect [my manager’s] decision, I know that I’ve enjoyed it more on the wing, but who knows, maybe in the future I’ll play where I feel more comfortable, which is inside.”

It was certainly bold of Estevao to air that out before his move to Chelsea, where Palmer is the undisputed first choice in attacking midfield.

And though Palmer has been welcoming to his new team-mate online, the niceties could end if they end up in a direct scrap for the position they both want to play in. One thing is for sure: Estevao will need to make a serious impact if he is to displace Palmer.

The 22-year-old notched 33 goal contributions (22 goals, 11 assists) in the same amount of Premier League games last season, and he already boasts 17 (11 goals, six assists) in 15 matches this term. Estevao cannot yet match those numbers, but he is at a five-year disadvantage.

And no player in the history of the Brazilian top-flight aged 17 or younger – including Neymar – has enjoyed a more productive campaign than the one Estevao put together in 2024.

Neymar himself offered up his respect once Estevao passed his previous mark of goal contributions with six weeks of the season remaining. “Congratulations Estevao Willian for breaking the record,” he wrote. “I hope you continue shining and enchanting people with your football.”

Another Brazilian legend, Ronaldo Nazario, believes Chelsea have got their hands on someone special.

“He’s a young player and very talented,” he said. “He’s kind of like Lamine Yamal. He will soon be a very big star in football. He’s very promising, and at just 17.”