Estevao has not had the start he would have liked to his second season at Chelsea, with reports highlighting Barcelona's interest in the Brazilian
Estevao fired Brazil to a 4-0 win over India in a friendly on Saturday(Image: Dibyangshu SARKAR/AFP via Getty Images)View 3 Images
Chelsea’s Brazilian sensation Estevao Willian is currently in the limelight amid speculation linking him with a potential move away from west London. The 19-year-old enjoyed a stellar season for the Blues last term, scoring eight goals in all competitions in his first year in England.
The Brazilian wonderkid had been signed from Palmeiras in a £29million deal in 2024, arriving with huge expectations a year later. But his impressive first campaign is now in danger of being overshadowed by a disappointing second season under new head coach Xabi Alonso.
Estevao is yet to start a Premier League game this term and has played little football, managing just 23 minutes across the first five league fixtures. His only two starts have been in Carabao Cup games, which has given way to reports abroad claiming the forward is growing frustrated and fearful of his role under Alonso.
The youngster responded to the rumours in the best possible way - by scoring a brilliant solo goal for Brazil during their 4-0 friendly win over India on Saturday. Estevao will hope to carry that form into his club football when Chelsea return to action against Bournemouth on October 10, as football.london now takes a look at the latest news surrounding the player.
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Barcelona interested
Spanish reports claim Barcelona are keeping tabs on the teenager’s situation after his underwhelming start to the season. Brazilian media recently reported that a 'cold war’ has broken out between the talented dribbler and Alonso over his lack of minutes, as well as Estevao’s alleged refusal to continue gaining muscle mass, which he apparently believes will hinder his pace and ability to take players on.
Those outlets also claimed that, if he was not given a more important role within the squad, he would reconsider his future as early as the January transfer window. While Spanish counterpart SPORT states he is not yet considering a move away, they claim Barcelona's sporting director Deco is a fan of Estevao and is keeping a close eye on how his situation develops.
The La Liga champions are said to have tracked Estevao since his Palmeiras days. However, the fact he plays on the right flank, where Barca already have Lamine Yamal - one of the best players in world football - means Estevao’s search for more minutes is unlikely to be helped by such a move.
Barcelona have been linked with Estevao(Image: Getty)View 3 Images
Chelsea transfer stance
Despite the recent interest in their talented teenager and his less important role under Alonso, the Blues hierarchy view Estevao as an untouchable member of their squad. He is seen as a huge part of the long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
Head coach Alonso voiced that feeling when asked whether Estevao has an important role at Chelsea this season. The Spaniard said: "With Este, 100% because of his potential, because he's so young but he's in that process to adapt and to learn quick. And the season is going to be long.
"[We've had] private conversations, they should remain private. But the season is going to be long. And the players that they have the desire and the hunger to prove every day that they are up for the challenge, it's what we want to create here in the building.
“And Este is part of it. So he has a very good attitude, very good mentality to prepare every game and to be ready for the team."
Xabi Alonso has spoken about Estevao's role this season(Image: Getty )View 3 Images
Formation change plea
Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has taken issue with Alonso’s reluctance to start Estevao so far this season. Alonso has shown a clear preference for Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro, who form the attacking trio in his 3-4-3 formation.
But Hasselbaink believes Alonso should find a way of forcing Estevao, who impressed as an out-and-out winger last season, into the starting line-up, believing that the Brazilian is good enough to spark a change in formation to something like a 4-2-3-1.
Speaking to MrQ, Hasselbaink said: "I'm a big lover of Estevao. I think he's a super talent. For him not being in the team, it's a pity. I would like him to be in the team because he creates, and he plays with guts.
"Don't get me wrong, we have got up front three really good players for Chelsea in Joao Pedro, Palmer and Rogers, but why can we have not have four? Can we get the fourth one in? I'd love to see Estevao on the pitch soon. I think he's exceptional.
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"He must believe that he's good enough to start ahead of the main three. He has to think that he can because he needs to play. He needs to push them. And that's only going to be the best thing for the team too, if he pushes them. I think he can do it. But he has to believe in himself."