“I think he will be a genius!” - Neymar makes bold claims about youngster who will join Chelsea next summer

Brazil and Al Hilal attacker Neymar has heaped praise on teenage sensation Willian Estevao, who is set to join Chelsea next summer. He believes that the Brazilian youngster will turn out to be a successful footballer.

When quizzed by the media, Neymar stated that Estevao was a player to watch out for in the future. Further praising the youngster, he said (via ESPN):

''He is a great talent that is emerging in Brazilian football today. I think he's going to be a genius."

Chelsea signed Estevao in June 2024, but the Brazilian would be moving to Stamford Bridge next summer after turning 18. The Blues agreed on a €61.5 million deal with Palmeiras for the youngster, reportedly beating off competition from Barcelona and Bayern Munich. 

Have Chelsea struck gold with Willian Estevao?

Palmeiras academy head, Joao Paulo Sampaio, made bold claims about Willian Estevao, saying the youngster was the best Brazilian player to emerge since Neymar. He believes that the teenager has matured over the last couple of years, and also compared him with Real Madrid-bound Endrick.

He told BBC Sport:

"Estevao is the best player to have emerged from Brazilian football since Neymar. You watch him and you fall in love. He already impresses with his technique but, like Neymar at this same point in his career, he has not yet matured physically and is not as strong as Endrick, so he could still develop a lot. That's what amazes everyone and makes them think that he will reach a much higher level."

He added: 

"When we won the 2022 U-17 Brazilian Championship title, Estevao ended up breaking one of his toes during a decisive game. But even so he still didn't want to leave [the game], so he came to me at half-time saying, 'I'll go back for the second half'. And I challenged him: 'You better go back.' And so he had a painkilling injection in his toe and told me, 'I'll go back, score a goal and look for you in the stands to shush you.' That's how strong he is mentally."

Chelsea reportedly have no plans to let Estevao leave on loan when he arrives next summer. They are said to be wanting to have him in the first team straight away, along with Kendry Paez, who is also set to move to Stamford Bridge in July 2025.