Estevao struggling to focus ahead of Chelsea move

Estevao Willian revealed he is struggling to stay focused on the Club World Cup as his move to Chelsea looms closer.

The 18-year-old will make the move to Stamford Bridge once the tournament ends after the Blues agreed an initial fee reported to be £29.1m for the forward.

Estevao featured in all three of Palmeiras’ Club World Cup group matches but has yet to directly contribute to a goal. However, he has created five chances for his side and completed 83% of his passes.

In his entire Palmeiras career, he scored 26 goals and registered 15 assists in 81 appearances.

Estevao admitted it has been difficult to stay focused when his dream of playing for Chelsea is on the horizon.

“It’s really hard [to focus],” Estevao told TNT Sports Brazil. “[Going to Chelsea] is a dream coming true, but knowing that I need to focus here first. It’s not easy.

“You have to maintain your focus here. And the closer it gets, the anxiety starts to hit, the butterflies in the stomach start to hit.

“But I’m trying to focus as much as possible here, to leave everything I can on the pitch, to leave here well, with my head held high, through the front door, knowing that I did my best here.”

Fim de jogo: Inter Miami-EUA 2×2 Palmeiras. pic.twitter.com/1RDsFIeXp5

— SE Palmeiras (@Palmeiras) June 24, 2025

Palmeiras finished top of Group A after a thrilling 2-2 draw against Inter Miami. They will face fellow Brazilian side Botafogo, who beat Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, in the last 16.