Competing with Esteban, Chelsea has informed 18-year-old Kunda that he will join the first team next season, with a market value of 45 million euros.

Chelsea’s current team-building philosophy is to acquire gifted young players and secure them with extended contracts. In the upcoming season, the Blues will have two exceptional talents battling for the right-wing spot: 18-year-olds Esteban and Kunda.

The latest news from London Football reveals that Chelsea has informed the 18-year-old Portuguese winger Kunda that he will join the Blues’ senior squad in the 2026-27 season.

Chelsea reached an agreement with Sporting CP this March to sign the Portuguese prodigy Kunda for a transfer fee of 50.78 million euros. Kunda will continue to play and develop at Sporting CP this season and will join Chelsea after the season ends, arriving next summer to participate in preseason training ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Kunda came through Benfica’s academy before moving to Sporting CP and has broken several records, including becoming the youngest scorer in the Primeira Liga, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo, and the youngest Sporting player to score in the Champions League. In one season, Kunda’s assist numbers even exceeded the debut season stats of Portuguese legends Ronaldo, Figo, and Nani.

Kunda is currently 18 years old, stands 1.72 meters tall, is left-footed, and primarily plays as a right winger but can also operate as a left winger or right midfielder. Transfermarkt values him at 45 million euros. This season, Kunda has made 18 appearances for Sporting CP across all competitions, starting 10 matches and contributing 4 goals and 6 assists.

After joining Chelsea, Kunda will face fierce competition from his peer Esteban, who is already a key player for the Brazilian national team. Kunda must replicate his Primeira Liga form in the Premier League to compete effectively with Esteban. This is exactly what Chelsea hopes for — having two superstars vying for the same right-wing position.