But Chelsea sources have insisted nothing has really changed with Estevao Willian’s future, with the Brazilian winger still being viewed as untouchable at Stamford Bridge. The strong declaration comes after a flood of reports that Barcelona are taking a very close look at his situation.
Barcelona’s sporting director Deco is being kept up to speed on the teenager’s situation in West London. But reports out of England insist that the Blues see the 19-year-old as a key part of their long-term build, so no sale is on the cards.
The winger’s peripheral role under new head coach Xabi Alonso has fuelled the speculation. Estevao has featured for just 23 of the 450 minutes available in Chelsea’s first five Premier League games and is yet to make a league start. He has started only twice this season, and both appearances have been in the Carabao Cup.
It hasn’t helped that Alonso is a big fan of the 3-4-2-1 system, with Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers preferred higher up the pitch. Estevao, meanwhile, is not the natural fit for the right wing-back berth that the Spaniard’s structure requires. Reports in Brazil earlier this month said he could reassess his future in January if he was not handed a more prominent role.
The contrast with his rookie season is clear, as he recorded eight goals and four assists in 36 appearances in 2025-26. That return saw him score a memorable Champions League goal against Barcelona, before a serious hamstring injury ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup. Crucially, the ex-Palmeiras wonderkid is tied to a deal until June 2033, giving Chelsea plenty of bargaining power.
The Blues sit in 10th position after five league games and are back in action at Stamford Bridge against Bournemouth on October 10. With club football returning, Estevao will be hoping for a meaningful recalibration of his standing within the squad.
Barcelona Still Admire Estevao Despite Financial Constraints
Barcelona’s interest in Estevao goes back to before his move to England, with the Catalans having tracked his progress extensively during his time at Palmeiras. He is still a favourite at the club, per reports, and officials at the Ciutat Esportiva are following events in London with interest.
Deco previously explained that Barcelona did not pursue the Brazilian because Lamine Yamal already has the same role with similar qualities. Meanwhile, his agent Andre Cury blamed any deal not going through on the club’s precarious financial circumstances at the time.
Chelsea won the race for the 19-year-old with a deal said to be worth about £29m up front, with the potential to rise to £57.6m. The report also noted that Estevao is not currently considering a move and remains determined to prove himself in West London.