The Blues have agreed a deal for the young star in a deal worth £56 million. He will join the London club in July 2025 from Palmeiras, shortly after turning 18. During the 2024/25 season, Willian has performed consistently for the Brazilian giants. In October, he broke Neymar’s record for goal contributions by a 17-year-old player in the Brazilian top flight, making 17 contributions compared to Neymar’s 16 in 2009 while at Santos.
As Chelsea wait to welcome the Brazilian prodigy, former Real Madrid and Barcelona star and Brazilian icon Ronaldo has predicted that the 17-year-old has the potential to become a big star in the future drawing comparisons between Palmeiras sensation and Blaugrana star Lamine Yamal.
Messinho, new Yamal
Questioned by journalist Ben Jacobs, the former Seleçao player declared: “He is a very talented young player. He looks a bit like Lamine Yamal. He will soon be a very big football star. He shows a lot of promise and at only 17 years old I think he will play for Palmeiras in the Club World Cup and then join Chelsea.”
The teenager currently plays for Palmeiras, who are playing their final match of the Brazilian Serie A season. Palmeiras will have to win the match by a margin of at least two goals and then hope that Botafogo loses their final match against Sao Paulo to win the league title.