Neymar leaves Todd Boehly looking smug as 'genius' Chelsea tactic wounds rivals

Todd Boehly has been left feeling smug after Neymar dubbed Chelsea’s newest wonderkid a ‘genius’.

Estevao Willian became the latest South American gem to put pen to paper on a move to west London, with Chelsea agreeing to a deal that could rise as high as £51million.

The 17-year-old won’t link up with his fellow Chelsea team-mates until next summer, but anticipation surrounding the teenage sensation is already high.

So much so Brazil legend Neymar has given the Chelsea transfer his seal of approval.

Speaking to TNT Sports, the ex-Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona ace said: “Future star? I think Estevao of Palmeiras is big talent that is surging in Brazilian football I think he will be a genius.”

Estevao has been catching the eye in Brazil, with the winger having notched up 14 goal contributions in 28 matches for Palmeiras this season while registering close to a G/A every game for the under-20 side.

And with his most recent strike – a drilled left-footed strike from inside the box – Estevao sent a message to one of his new team-mates by dropping the famous ‘Cold Palmer’ celebration – a nod to Blues ace Cole Palmer.

The England international was quick to recognise this tribute, with Palmer replying to Estevao’s Instagram post celebrating the goal by saying: “soon,” accompanied by a wink face and blue love heart emoji.

It isn’t the first time Chelsea have operated in the South American market though, with the likes of Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington and Angelo Gabriel having been purchased in the past.

Plus, midfielder Kendry Paez, who like Estevao, won’t touchdown in the capital until the summer of 2025.

Similar to Neymar with Estevao, a star player has too given his backing to Paez’s Stamford Bridge switch, with current Chelsea man Moises Caicedo recently waxing lyrical about his compatriot.

Speaking to La Cancha Con Majo about Paez last year, Caicedo said: “He’s a crack (a top player). The truth is there are times where I watch Independiente games, it’s good to see those talents in Ecuador because we know we have very good youth.

“I’m very happy for him, for everything that he’s doing. All I can tell him is keep on the right track, doing things really well, and he’s going to go really far because the talent he has is incredible.”