Real Madrid have a fantastic recent record when it comes to identifying talents from Brazil, signing them and developing them into first-team superstars. Vinicius Junior is arguably the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or this year and many will remember his early struggles in Spain. Rodrygo is a regular starter in Carlo Ancelotti's side as well. And Endrick, who has earned comparisons to the great Ronaldo Nazario in his homeland, will be joining the club this summer.
Another Brazilian wonderkid, currently teammates with Endrick at Palmeiras, was believed to be on Real Madrid's radar as well. But it looks like he is headed to Chelsea instead.
That player is none other than Estevao. Many in Brazil consider him an even bigger talent than Endrick and he has been showing flashes of quality in his performances for Palmeiras.
As tweeted out by Cesar Luis Merlo, Estevao has reached an agreement to play for Chelsea. The English club sent its last offer of €65 million guaranteed and without objectives, which Palmeiras accepted.
Chelsea agree €65 million deal for Real Madrid target
If accurate then that is an extraordinary transfer fee to shell out for someone who has only played a handful of senior games and scored 3 goals. Estevao is a raw talent for sure but there is no guarantee that he will become one of the best in the game.
Yes, Real Madrid did agree a similar figure to sign Endrick. But in that case, around €35 million is believed to be guaranteed with the rest being add-ons.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Estevao. He is one of the brightest young talents in world football today and considered by many as Brazil's best since Neymar. He has high expectations on his shoulders already and it will only increase if a €65 million move to Chelsea ends up transpiring in 2025.