Estevao Willian is developing into one of the most talented young footballers out there and is considered a transfer target for Chelsea. This despite his desire to follow in Lionel Messi’s footsteps and sign for Barcelona.
Just a few days after acquiring Vitor Roque, the La Liga club remains determined to reinforce its squad with more youth power.
Barcelona has been closely monitoring Estevao Willian, better known as ‘Messinho’. The 16-year-old comes from Brazil, a country that has produced some of the most famous names in the world.
One of the most sought-after prospects on the market, the Palmeiras star shares traits with Lionel Messi. Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo recently stated that Messi has been off Barça’s radar for more than a year.
The future impact of the rising star will be monumental, according to everyone at the club. Everyone at the club reportedly seems to share the belief that he would leave an indelible mark on the club. In addition, Willian has the admiration of Deco, the sports director.
Even in an interview in October he mentioned wanting to play at the Camp Nou. At the time, Estevao called Barcelona his “dream move” and is therefore eager to emulate superstar Lionel Messi in La Liga.
No ‘dream move’ from Barcelona?
Not only is it a wish for Xavi at Barcelona, but it is also a goal for Chelsea, reports say. To put Messi ahead of the Blaugrana in the transfer market, the Blues are willing to pay the important termination clause in his contract.
Representatives from London reportedly traveled to Sao Paulo in an effort to close a deal for the Brazilian sensation. The player has a staggering asking price of $65 million.
The young winger is therefore still in play. However, according to Spanish news site SPORT, as of Friday, Chelsea are the favorites to sign him. Meanwhile, Xavi Hernández has not yet made any offer to get him.
Now that Xavi has changed his focus, the Barça boss will likely sign a defensive midfielder during the winter transfer market. He is also confident that he will have funds to make a summer purchase. According to the same source, Chelsea would supposedly have agents in Brazil to close a transaction soon after.
The publication claims that the team led by Mauricio Pochettino plans to fulfill the termination clause in the teenager’s contract. Commissions included, the acquisition could reportedly cost up to $82 million.
Chelsea meets with Palmeiras
Meanwhile, other supposed suitors, Paris Saint-Germain, are no longer in the hunt. Thus, Chelsea are taking their interest in the teenager very seriously. Leila Pereira, president of Palmeiras, has met with technical director Laurence Stewart in Sao Paulo.
Thus, the representatives of the ‘blues’ returned to London knowing that paying the termination clause was their only option to get Estevao. After Todd Boehly acquired Chelsea in 2022, the team began to thrive in the Brazilian market.
Gabriel Moscardó, a Corinthians youth player who is reportedly close to a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, has also been linked with them.
Photo credits: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images: IMAGO / NurPhoto
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