Chelsea are seeking to improve his contract with Estevao Willian but have no intention of sanctioning his departure in the January transfer window. The Brazilian is still contractually bound at Stamford Bridge until 2033, but the Blues want to make the 19-year-old the face of the club.
The news comes after Estevao had his first Premier League start of the season in the Blues’ 2-0 victory on Saturday. He started against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge and played 87 minutes, taking his minutes in the competition so far this season to 134.
Fabrizio Romano also dismissed the possibility of Estevao leaving this January. The Italian transfer expert explained:
“At the moment, however, there is no alert or immediate move at Chelsea to find a solution for Estevao in January. November, December, January and the following months will obviously be important in making sure Estevao is really happy at the club.”
Estevao has played 259 minutes in 9 games across all competitions this season. 125 of these minutes came in 2 starts in the Carabao Cup. He was an unused substitute in the penalty shoot-out loss to Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday.
Due to his lack of game time, there has been talk surrounding his future. Spanish outlets have claimed Manchester United could look to move for a fee of up to €100m. However, the claim has not been backed up elsewhere, and there has been no official bid from any clubs.
After a successful debut season in England, where he scored 8 goals in 36 games, Estevao suffered a hamstring injury in his game against Manchester United in April and missed the rest of the campaign, meaning he couldn’t play in the World Cup.
Xabi Alonso: “Trust Me, Este Is Going To Play His Role”
Xabi Alonso has been regularly questioned about Estevao Willian’s situation in his press conferences throughout the season, and once more after the Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool at Anfield last week.
The Blues fans chanted Estevao’s name, but Alonso chose to leave him on the bench in the 1-1 draw, which Chelsea lost on penalties. Alonso admitted that the young star could be happier with his lack of game time. He told reporters after Anfield:
“I understand (Estevao’s) situation and he could be happier for sure. He wants to play and to be part of the team. There will be moments for everything. I’m sure Este will have his moments – that’s my responsibility. We know that the season is going to be long and there will be moments for everyone. Trust me, Este is going to play his role.”
Alonso was true to his word, as Estevao started against Manchester United three days later. Chelsea’s last match before the international break will be away to Sunderland on November 8.