Chelsea have reportedly decided against loaning out Estevao Willian when he joins the club next summer.
The Blues have made an effort to recruit up-and-coming talents since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital completed their takeover of the club in 2022.
The Chelsea hierarchy are hoping that Estevao is one of the names that will develop into a star after they struck a deal in June to him from Palmeiras in the summer of 2025.
The Premier League club reached an agreement with Palmeiras over a deal worth up to £51m to sign a player nicknamed 'Messinho' due to his impressive dribbling skills.
While he may still be with Palmeiras, there are questions as to whether he will be loaned out or integrated into Chelsea's first-team squad when he arrives in England next year.
Chelsea make Estevao loan decision
According to GIVEMESPORT, Chelsea have no plans to allow Estevao to leave on loan for the 2025-26 campaign.
The report claims that the Blues view him as a member of the first-team squad and are keen to offer him regular playing time.
Estevao's agent, Andre Cury, supposedly sought assurances during his discussions with Chelsea that the attacker would be given the chance to impress in the first team.
Cury was wary of Estevao following a similar path to his fellow client Vitor Roque, who struggled to get regular game time for Barcelona following his move to La Liga in January.
After being deemed surplus to requirements at Barcelona, Roque was allowed to join Real Betis on a loan deal for the 2024-25 season.
Where will Estevao play for Chelsea?
Estevao has reportedly been told that he can expected to feature in the number 10 role and as a winger when he joins Chelsea next summer.
The Brazilian has primarily been used as a right winger by Palmeiras in the 2024 season, scoring 15 goals and registering 10 assists in 41 competitive appearances.
Estevao's arrival will add to Chelsea's array of attacking options which include Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix and Mykhaylo Mudryk.
With Estevao set to arrive with his compatriot Kendry Paez, Chelsea may have to sanction departures to ensure their attackers enjoy adequate game time.
