Neymar calls Estevao Willian a future ‘genius’ as he names Chelsea’s newest teenage recruit as the most exciting player of Brazil’s next generation

Brazil icon Neymar is expecting big things from new Chelsea signing Estevao Willian.

Chelsea announced the signing of Estevao from Palmeiras last week, although he will not move to Stamford Bridge until next summer.

The 17-year-old – who will be 18 when he comes to England – will cost £28 million, taking Chelsea’s overall spending on teenage signings during the Todd Boehly era to £250m.

Estevao – who scored two goals in a 3-1 win over Juventude on Sunday – made his senior debut for Palmeiras in December last year just eight days after his 16th birthday.

He has been widely tipped as a future star at both club and international level, including by former Brazil captain Neymar.

Neymar, pictured playing for Brazil in October last year, is tipping Estevao to become a star

Neymar was asked in a recent interview with TNT which player among Brazil’s current generation of young stars made him the most excited.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward replied by naming Estevao.

Explaining his choice, Neymar added: ”He is a great talent that is emerging in Brazilian football today.

‘I think he’s going to be a genius.’

Neymar – who is now based in Saudi Arabia after signing for Al-Hilal in August 2023 – was left out of Brazil’s Copa America squad this summer.

The 32-year-old has not featured in a competitive game since October when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament while on international duty.

In a recent interview with TNT in Brazil, Neymar said that Estevao was ‘going to be a genius’

Estevao scored two goals for Palmeiras on Sunday in a 3-1 victory over Juventude in Sao Paulo

Estevao also missed out on a place in Dorival Junior’s squad this summer.

He has yet to make his senior international debut but has scored three goals in five outings for Brazil’s U17 side.