Chelsea midfielder, Cole Palmer has come out to reveal what he said to Palmeiras winger, Estevao Willian after their match at the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC), Softfootball reports.
The Blues defeated the Brazilian side 2-1 in the quarter-final in the early hours of Saturday with both players scoring for their sides before an own goal from Palmeiras defender, Giay Agustin.
The win gave Chelsea a semi-final spot where they will face another Brazilian side Fluminense after they beat Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
Interestingly, after the Chelsea win over Palmeiras, Palmer and a few Blues players were seen gathered around Estevao chatting away. The sun revealed, Palmer was asked afterwards what he was chatting with Estevao about during the post match press conference and he replied:
“Estêvão is a top player, we all can see that!”.
“I told him that we are excited for him to join, but he didn’t understand a single word I said.”
Softfootball had reported earlier that Chelsea already agreed a £52million deal for the 18-year-old Brazilian and the game on Saturday morning was his last for Palmeiras before completing his switch to Stamford Bridge.
Estavo and Palmer is set to be a formidable partnership in the Premier League if they can both replicate their current forms next season.
Since joining Chelsea, Palmer has been a fantastic. He was signed on deadline day for the 2023/24 season and he didn’t disappoint, scoring 25 goals in all competitions, with 22 of those coming in the Premier League.
Interestingly, Palmer’s 22 Premier League goals made up a significant 28.6% of Chelsea’s total league goals in his debut season. He also grabbed 15 assists in all competitions, contributing to a total of 40 goal involvements (goals and assists). In the Premier League alone, he had 33 goal contributions (goals and assists). And it was no surprise when he was voted Chelsea Player of the year.
Palmer’s second season wasn’t as successful in terms of goals scoring but he still registered 15 goals in the Premier League despite being injured in parts of the season.
Estevao will be joining Chelsea with a reputation of a player that is highly rated across Europe and South America. He is already a member of the Brazilian senior men’s national football team and holds the record for the first player U-18 to reach 20 goals contribution in a single season in Brazil, scoring 12 goals with eight assists.
Chelsea’s attack could be youthful and deadly with a possible three attack of Palmer, Estevao and Joao Pedro behind Liam Delap. In another Previous post by softfootball, it was revealed that Chelsea are reportedly in talks with Southampton over a shock swoop for Tyler Dibling, whose last stint at Stamford Bridge lasted just weeks.
The 19-year-old joined Chelsea in 2022 but struggled to adapt to being away from home, which led to his departure after a few weeks. However, he is believed to be more ready for a move away now, especially with Southampton dropping down to the Championship.
