No middlemen profiting: Chelsea signs a rising star for €45 million, scoring a winning goal against Liverpool plus a brace against South Korea.

Following Real Madrid’s success with signing Vinícius and Rodrygo, many top clubs from the big five European leagues have started to bypass intermediaries and sign talented youngsters directly from South American teams. Chelsea’s 2025 summer signing of Brazilian sensation Estevão from Palmeiras cost only €45 million and has already demonstrated great value, with the 18-year-old netting three goals in one week, including a decisive strike against Liverpool and a brace against South Korea.

During the 7th round of the Premier League, Chelsea secured a 2-1 home victory over Liverpool with the winning goal scored by their new signing, 18-year-old Brazilian talent Estevão. Since joining Chelsea this season, this young star has appeared in six Premier League matches, starting four times, contributing one goal and two assists, and made two substitute appearances in the Champions League. Despite being a newcomer and only 18 years old, Estevão has already become an important rotational player for Chelsea.

After the 7th round of the Premier League came the October international break. The 18-year-old Estevão was successfully called up to the Brazil national team coached by Ancelotti and started as the main right winger in the friendly where Brazil thrashed South Korea 5-0 away. Rodrygo shifted to an attacking midfield role and scored twice, while Estevão also netted a brace. Estevão has clearly established himself as a strong candidate for Brazil’s starting right winger spot. Given his current progress, he is expected to be Brazil’s key right winger at the 2026 World Cup, forming a potent attacking duo with Vinícius on the left wing for the Samba team’s future offensive threat.