Liverpool appear to be keeping a very close eye on Chelsea winger Estevao Willian — and this latest rumour is certainly interesting.
According to Football FanCast, Liverpool chiefs have contacted the representatives of the Brazilian and are attempting to deter him from entering talks over a potential new contract at Stamford Bridge.
Now, let’s be realistic.
This doesn’t mean Estevao is about to become a Liverpool player.
Chelsea have no obvious desire to sell him and he is already contracted to the London club until 2033. Reports have also suggested Chelsea value him at more than £100 million.
But Liverpool making contact with his representatives is still something worth keeping an eye on.
Liverpool clearly like Estevao
This isn’t the first time Liverpool have been linked with Estevao.
There were reports before the summer transfer window closed that Liverpool had already made an approach for the teenager, only for Chelsea to make it clear that they had no intention of selling him.
So if these latest reports are accurate, Liverpool haven’t simply forgotten about him.
They’re continuing to monitor the situation.
And I can understand why.
Estevao is exactly the sort of young attacking player that Liverpool should be interested in.
He’s still only 19 and has already established himself at Chelsea and with Brazil. His first season in England produced eight goals and four assists in 36 appearances, while his opportunities have reportedly been more limited at the start of this season.
Could Liverpool exploit his situation?
This is where things get interesting.
Chelsea are reportedly considering improved terms for Estevao, but Liverpool are apparently hoping to get involved before those discussions become too advanced.
That doesn’t necessarily mean Liverpool believe they can simply walk into Stamford Bridge and sign him.
It could simply be a case of making sure the player knows there is another option available.
And if Estevao ever did become available, I suspect Liverpool would be extremely interested.
He’s young, hugely talented and has already shown that he can produce decisive moments at Premier League level.
In fact, Liverpool supporters have already seen exactly what he can do.
Estevao scored a late winner against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge earlier this month, producing the sort of moment that shows why clubs are watching his development so closely.
This one could run for a while
I’m certainly not getting carried away with this one.
Liverpool have already spent heavily on their attack and there are plenty of other areas of the squad that could require attention before another huge attacking transfer becomes a priority.
But if the club genuinely believe Estevao can become one of the best young attackers in European football, I have absolutely no problem with them keeping tabs on his situation.
Sometimes you have to look ahead.
And this feels like Liverpool doing exactly that.
Chelsea clearly see Estevao as a major part of their future. Liverpool apparently see an opportunity to change that.
Whether anything actually comes of it is another question entirely.
But after Liverpool’s reported interest in him this summer, I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if the Estevao story refuses to go away anytime soon.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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