Chelsea player Estevao Willian has admitted there is no preference when it comes to the shirt number he will receive at Stamford Bridge, but there is one that the youngster believes “would be great”.
Estevao is scheduled to move from Brazil to London next summer After his 18th birthday in April, with FIFA rules on international transfers not allowing him to play for the Blues any time soon.
Chelsea have agreed to pay Palmeiras, who sold Indrek to Real Madrid for big money not long ago, an initial sum of £29m that could eventually rise to more than £50m with add-ons.
It's a huge show of confidence in a 17-year-old, but top European clubs are increasingly looking to discover the next big thing in South America rather than paying big money for established stars closer to home. Estévão certainly has potential, having already broken Neymar's 15-year-old record for goal involvement in the Brazilian Primera Division for players aged 17 or under.
Estevao made his name with Palmeiras, the club where teenager Gabriel Jesus caught the attention of Manchester City nearly a decade ago, wearing the number 41 on his back.
“I don't have a (preference), but I really like 41. If I had 41 (at Chelsea) that would be great too,” he said. Ibsenon the topic of choosing his shirt.
The shirt is currently free at Chelseahaving previously been worn by the likes of Dominic Solanke and Ola Aina before becoming first-team regulars elsewhere.
As for his position on the pitch, Estevao spent this season playing on the right flank. But he insists this is not the role he grew up in or sees his future in.
“I was always a No. 10 and went to the wing for the one-on-one play,” he said.
“Of course I respect (Palmeras coach) Abel Ferreira's decision. I know that I enjoyed being on the wing more, but who knows, in the future I will play where I feel more comfortable, which is inside.”
