Chelsea-bound Estevao Willian surpasses incredible record held by Neymar 

Estevao Willian has broken Neymar's record of most goal contributions by a U17 player in the Brazilian Serie A, just months before he moves to Chelsea. The Palmeiras star has 18 goals and assists in the league – two more than the legendary Brazilian managed before leaving Santos.

Estevao, 17, has scored 10 goals for Palmeiras this season, while assisting eight times. Neymar's record in the league was 10 goals and six assists – a feat no teenager managed to break since 2009.

Willian, who is nicknamed 'Messinho', has been dubbed as the best player coming out of Brazil since Neymar. The teenager will be moving to Stamford Bridge in 2025 after the Blues sealed a deal to lure him to the west London club in the 2024 summer window.

Chelsea agreed a £56 million deal to sign the youngster and beat competition from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid for the teenager. Manchester United and Manchester City were also linked with the Brazilian, while Arsenal were also rumored to have shown interest.

Speaking to The Guardian earlier this month, Estevao revealed that he chose to move to the London club because of their plans for him and his family. He said:

"I decided for Chelsea because of their planning. I was very pleased with that. Not just for me, but also for my family. It was the club that believed in me and trusted in my work. I hope I can pay that back.

"That [failure of Salah, Lukaku and De Bruyen at Stamford Bridge] doesn't worry me because each one is different. I don't know the context or what they were like. I'm going to have to find my space and I'm going to have to give my all effort every day."

Neymar was also once linked with a move to Stamford Bridge but opted to join Barcelona instead. He was linked with the Premier League once again last year but moved to the Saudi Pro League after the Blues did not show interest in luring him from PSG.

Chelsea new signing talks about his ambitions

Willian Estevao has stated that he wants to become the best player in the world. He wants to reach the heights Neymar was touted for and told The Guardian:

"When I signed for Chelsea, the next day I scored a goal and celebrated like Palmer. His celebration was trend, very popular. We talked on social media, I tagged him on Instagram, he called me a star, I said he's a star too. He said we're going to do a lot of great things together for Chelsea.

"I want to win titles and show all my potential, show everything I can do. Champion of the World Cup, Premier League and Champions League. That's what I want. My biggest dream is to be the best player in the world. That's my dream. One day I'll be among the best. But I'm not going to promise or project that I'll achieve this in a few years. It'll come naturally," he added.

Apart from Willian Estevao, Chelsea will also be welcoming Kendry Páez, Aaron Anselmino and Mike Penders to the squad in the summer of 2025. Jadon Sancho will also be signed permanently at the end of the season when his loan expires and the obligation clause is triggered.