Brazilian teenager Estevan showcased his skills during his debut for Chelsea, scoring just 18 minutes into a 2-0 preseason win against Bayer Leverkusen at Stamford Bridge on Friday.
The 18-year-old composure was evident as he calmly finished with his left foot, reacting perfectly to a rebound from a Cole Palmer shot that had hit the crossbar. This moment highlights Estevan’s potential just a year after he joined the club from Palmeiras.
Chelsea acquired him for an initial fee of 34 million euros ($40 million), according to ESPN, with potential performance-related bonuses set to activate in July 2024. He remained with Palmeiras for the past season before transitioning to West London this week to commence training with his new teammates.
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This match marked Estevan’s first outing since facing Chelsea in the quarterfinals of the Club World Cup, where his team aimed for the trophy under Enzo Maresca.
Friday’s game was Chelsea’s opening match of the preseason, just weeks after they clinched victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Another new addition, Joan Pedro, made his debut as well, scoring Chelsea’s second goal in the 90th minute with a low shot into the corner. Estevan and Pedro were among several summer signings making their first appearances at Stamford Bridge, alongside Liam Dellup, Jarrell Hat, and Jamie Gittens.
Gittens nearly set up Estevan for a second goal, but the Brazilian missed the chance as a second-half substitute. Chelsea will next face AC Milan in their condensed preseason before starting their Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace the following week.
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the emergence of young talent in top clubs, which could revolutionize team dynamics and competitiveness in the league. The successful integration of promising players like Estevan not only raises hopes for Chelsea’s future but also enhances the overall allure of the Premier League, showcasing its role as a platform for future stars.
