Chelsea newcomer Estevao Willian is the “best player born in Brazil” from Neymar to World Cup winner Branco.
The Blues have agreed a €57m (£48m) deal with Palmeiras for Estevao, with the west London club paying €34m upfront and an additional €23m in potential supplements.
Estevao, 17, will not sign for Chelsea until he turns 18 next year, while Ecuadorian foreign darling Kendry Páez is expected to move to Stamford Bridge at the same time.
Estevao is already attracting the attention of experts and former players in his country, he has only played 22 games with Brazilian side Palmeiras.
And Branco believes Estevao is the “best player” he has seen “born in Brazil”, as Neymar and Chelsea are on the verge of conquering one of the world’s football customers.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve had these kids there and Brazil has a spectacular generation,” Branco told Canal WAMO.
“Brazil for 2026 will arrive very strong, it will arrive with strength and quality.
“Estevao, for me, with all due respect to others, is serious, I have never said it and I will say it. After Neymar, he is the greatest player I have seen born in Brazil.
“That’s my opinion, you’ve noticed it up close, you know? It’s Brazil, they’re all impressive, but this guy, his ceiling is a little bit higher.
Palmeiras have a history of recruiting interesting young players and their head coach, Abel Ferreira, insists he is “afraid” that Chelsea will simply sign more young players.
Ferreira said: “For Chelsea, what I fear is that no one else will leave, the staff, the players, the coaches, but no one. Leave us alone. We need the temptation to stay away. “
“I just hope Chelsea don’t accept more. I’m even scared. There are many clever paintings in the academy.
“Since we arrived here there hasn’t been a week where 4 or five players haven’t come to train with us. “
And Chelsea are looking for more young ability from South America with the skilful move Fabrizio Romano confirming the Premier League club’s interest in Boca Juniors’ Aaron Anselmino.
Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column: “Chelsea’s interest in Boca Juniors’ Aaron Anselmino ability is genuine and the Premier League club are exploring how to secure a deal for the 19-year-old’s ability. Talks are underway with all parties involved to receive the main points of the termination clause of the Argentine’s contract, which is set at $25 million. There has not yet been a formal proposal, but Chelsea are following him among many skills for the future.
“It remains to be seen how much pressure Chelsea will put on Anselmino as he is a centre-back. Many clubs in Europe are watching him from Spain and Italy, but I can say that Chelsea are now the favourites for the player.