Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira has admitted he’s worried that Chelsea will sign their entire squad after agreeing a deal to land teenage talent Estevao Willian.
The 17-year-old winger has only played 18 games for the Brazilian club but is on the verge of signing for the Blues, who will pay an initial £29.5million for his services.
That fee could rise to £51m through add-ons and follows a number of South American talents being snapped up by Chelsea, including Kendry Paez, Andrey Santos and Deivid Washington.
Furthermore, Palmeiras prodigy Endrick will join Real Madrid after they agreed a £60m deal with the Sao Paulo side.
The flurry of exits has prompted Ferreira to praise his club for their negotiating strength, given neither teenager has made a significant contribution on the pitch yet, while joking that he fears Chelsea may not be satisfied by just the one signing.
“Sometimes I'm afraid to say publicly what I think about the players, because I'm never sure what will happen in football,” he told reporters after the Copa do Brasil draw with Botafogo.
“I think he's a player who likes it when the ball is glued to his foot and he can do different things.
“Regarding his value, I give credit to our president, because if there’s one thing she does well, it’s negotiating. She’s very good at that!
“What can I say? One year we sold Endrick to Real Madrid and now another one this year, although no one has confirmed anything to me, to be honest.
“For Chelsea, what I'm afraid of is that no one will stay... the staff, players, coaches, no one. May they leave us here in peace. We want that temptation gone.
“I just hope Chelsea don’t take anyone else. Even I'm scared!”
