Chelsea signing Estevao Willian has revealed that he doesn’t have a strong preference for a specific shirt number at Stamford Bridge, though he thinks one number “would be cool.”
Estevao, who will join Chelsea next summer after turning 18 in April, will be subject to FIFA regulations preventing him from playing for the club until then. The Brazilian forward is making the move from Palmeiras, with Chelsea agreeing to pay an initial £29m, which could rise to over £50m with add-ons.
This transfer reflects Chelsea’s confidence in the 17-year-old, who has already set a record for goal involvements by a 17-year-old in Brazil’s top flight, surpassing a 15-year-old record held by Neymar.
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At Palmeiras, Estevao has worn the number 41 shirt, which he has expressed an affection for. “I don’t have a preference, but I really like 41. If I get 41 at Chelsea, that would be cool,” he told ESPN. The number is currently available at Chelsea, having been worn by Dominic Solanke and Ola Aina before they moved on to other clubs.
Regarding his position on the pitch, Estevao has primarily played on the right flank this season, though he sees himself as a number 10. “I’ve always been a number 10, and I went to the wing for one-on-ones,” he explained. “I respect [Palmeiras coach] Abel Ferreira’s decision, and I’ve enjoyed playing on the wing, but who knows, in the future I’ll play where I feel most comfortable, which is inside.”