Palmeiras manager confirms Estevao exit with desperate plea to Chelsea

Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira has admitted 17-year-old winger Estevao will leave the club next summer, with Chelsea expected to secure his signature.

Chelsea have agreed a deal worth up to €65m for the youngster, who is more commonly known by the 'Messinho' nickname he has openly admitted he dislikes, but will have to watch his career continue at Palmeiras as Estevao can only move to Europe after he turns 18 in April 2025.

Estevao played just over an hour in Palmeiras' 0-0 draw with Botafogo FC on Thursday evening, after which Ferreira jokingly urged Chelsea to leave his club in peace after striking a deal for the winger.

"About Estevao and price tags, sometimes I'm afraid to say publicly what I think about players because I'm never sure what will happen in football," he told a press conference. "Yes, I cannot change what I have already said - that he is a player who looks like the ball is glued to his foot and does things differently.

"Regarding price, I must give credit to our president, because if there's one thing she does well, it's negotiations.

"In one year, we've sold Endrick to Real Madrid and another in a year from now, although nobody has confirmed anything to me, to be honest."

With a smile on his face, Ferreira added: "For Chelsea, what I'm afraid of is that more people will leave - employees, players, coaches. May they leave us here in peace. We want temptation away. I hope Chelsea don't take anyone else. I'm scared."

Chelsea have been incredibly active in the South American market under the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership, with former Corinthians scout Alysson Marins leading the recruitment drive.

The Blues signed Andrey Santos, Angelo and Deivid Washington last year and were also among the suitors for Endrick, who ultimately chose to join Madrid over Chelsea.

Ecuadorian youngster Kendry Paez is also due to move to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2025 when he, like Estevao, celebrates his 18th birthday.

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