Chelsea Football Club has reportedly secured the signing of 17-year-old Brazilian defender Denner Evangelista from Corinthians, further emphasizing their commitment to nurturing young talent. Denner, primarily a left-back, has been a standout performer in Corinthians' youth setup, particularly with the under-20 team, despite his young age.

The agreement between Chelsea and Corinthians is structured with an initial transfer fee of €10 million, supplemented by €4 million in potential bonuses. Additionally, Corinthians will retain a 15% sell-on clause, ensuring they benefit from any future transfer involving Denner. Due to FIFA regulations prohibiting international transfers of minors, Denner will remain with Corinthians until he turns 18 in February 2026, at which point he will officially join the Blues.

Denner's journey with Corinthians began at the age of 13 in 2021. His rapid progression saw him promoted directly to the under-20 category in 2024, a testament to his exceptional abilities and maturity on the field. In 2025, he played a pivotal role in Corinthians' runner-up finish in the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, Brazil's premier youth tournament.

This acquisition aligns with Chelsea's recent strategy of investing in young South American talents. Notably, the club secured a £56 million deal for 17-year-old Brazilian prodigy Estevão Willian, affectionately nicknamed 'Messinho' due to his playing style reminiscent of Lionel Messi. Estevão, who began his career at Cruzeiro before moving to Palmeiras in 2021, has already made significant strides, earning accolades such as Best Young Player and Best Attacker in the 2024 Brasileirão. He is set to join Chelsea upon turning 18, following a loan spell back to Palmeiras.

The signings of Denner and Estevão underscore Chelsea's proactive approach in securing emerging talents, aiming to build a robust foundation for future success. By integrating these young players into their system, Chelsea hopes to cultivate a new generation of footballing excellence at Stamford Bridge.