Photo by Alexander Canillas/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Alexander Canillas/MB Media/Getty Images
Chelsea have tried to play it down, but there is some uncertainty surrounding the future of Estevao Willian right now.
Estevao is yet to start a game in the Premier League this season and was subbed off at half-time in Chelsea’s 6-3 win against Leeds United in the Carabao Cup.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Estevao has concerns about his role in Xabi Alonso’s team, prompting speculation that he could leave Chelsea in the near future.
However, the Blues’ stance is pretty clear, though it has been claimed that there is a price for the winger.
Enzo Fernandez for Man City
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Chelsea value Estevao Willian at up to £103m
During the summer transfer, it emerged that Estevao was one of Chelsea’s so-called untouchables, meaning that he was not on the market.
Chelsea now want to offer Estevao a new contract, yet they still have a valuation for the player despite not wanting to sell him, according to transfer expert Ekrem Konur.
Konur has reported on X that Chelsea have no intention of selling Estevao but think he is worth up to €120m (£103m).
Barcelona and Liverpool are both said to be interested in the 19-year-old.
Unless Alonso uses a 4-2-3-1 formation, where he can fit four attackers into the side, Estevao is going to find it difficult to break into Chelsea’s starting XI this season.
Right now, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro are undroppable. Costing £117m, even if he is not in undroppable form, Alonso could be forced to persist with Rogers because of that huge price tag.
Chelsea would be mad to sell Estevao, especially to a rival like Liverpool. But the Brazilian has too much talent to be wasting away on Chelsea’s bench or to be playing at wing-back.
Therefore, a loan move or two could be the best solution for Estevao. He will get regular game time and the opportunity to show Alonso that he is good enough to start for Chelsea.