Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira has hailed teenage sensation Estevão Willian as “ready” for the Premier League following the 18-year-old's impressive farewell performance in the Club World Cup quarter-final against his future club, Chelsea.

Estevão produced a moment of brilliance in Philadelphia on Friday, netting a stunning equaliser for the Brazilian side before a late own goal handed Chelsea a narrow 2-1 victory. The goal marked a fitting send-off for the highly rated winger, who will now finalise a move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea agreed a deal worth a reported €57 million (£48.5m), including performance-based add-ons, to sign Estevão over a year ago, with the Brazilian now poised to begin the next chapter of his career in west London.

‘They’ve signed more than a footballer’ – Ferreira
“I don’t have sons—just two daughters—but he is like a son to me,” said Ferreira after the match at Lincoln Financial Field.

Speaking about his brief exchange with Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, Ferreira added: “I spoke with Maresca before the game. He’s a great coach, and I told him that Chelsea have bought an incredible player—but more importantly, a wonderful human being.

“He’s a fantastic talent who can change a match on his own. You saw tonight what he’s capable of. Of course, he will make mistakes at the beginning—he’s still young—but if they embrace him, support him, and give him the time to grow, they’ll have a gem on their hands.”

Estevão, who was named the Best Player in the Brazilian top flight last season, has further bolstered his reputation with several standout displays at the Club World Cup. His eye-catching goal against Chelsea was a reminder of the attacking prowess he brings.

New challenge awaits at Stamford Bridge
However, competition will be fierce at Chelsea, with Maresca possessing a wealth of attacking options in his squad. The teenager now faces the challenge of adapting to a new league, country, and lifestyle.

“For sure, he will need support from the coach and club directors,” Ferreira continued. “It’s his first time leaving Brazil. I told him—don’t expect the same weather! The sun appears two or three times a year in England, and the night comes early.

“But I believe Chelsea have all the right conditions in place to support him. He’s a special player, and I truly believe he’s ready.”

Maresca impressed by Chelsea-bound talent
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca also spoke glowingly about Estevão after the final whistle.

“I spoke to him for the first time after the match and told him it was the perfect evening: he scored, and we won,” said Maresca.

“You can see right away that he’s a huge talent—a fantastic player. But coming from South America, or indeed any part of the world outside Europe, it takes time to adapt. That’s our job now: to support him, help him settle, and ensure he stays happy and keeps enjoying his football.

“There is no doubt in our minds—he’s going to be a very important player for Chelsea.”

Gittens also on site ahead of Chelsea switch
Another future Chelsea signing was also present at the match. England Under-21 winger Jamie Gittens, who is joining the Blues from Borussia Dortmund, was spotted on the pitch post-match.

“Jamie was here tonight,” confirmed Maresca. “He’ll be with us for another day or two before heading on holiday. He’ll return when we begin pre-season.”