Estevao receives Chelsea transfer advice amid exit rumours

6 Sept 2026 10:03 BST | 4 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

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Former Chelsea winger Willian believes that his compatriot Estevao will develop into a key player at Stamford Bridge, despite his lack of game time so far this season.

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Estevao, 19, was one of the Blues’ bright sparks during a hugely disappointing 2025-26 campaign, but he has fallen down the pecking order since the appointment of Xabi Alonso and a switch to a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Alonso has favoured Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro in attack so far this term, and although he started against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup, Estevao has only played seven minutes across Chelsea’s opening two Premier League fixtures of the new season.

Current ETV

Estêvão Willian

F, M (R), AM (C)

Chelsea

Estêvão Willian

F, M (R), AM (C)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€70.8M - €86.6M

With no European football this year, Chelsea’s focus is entirely on domestic matters and while Estevao could play a prominent role in cup competitions, he is unlikely to force his way into Alonso’s preferred starting XI in the league, unless the Spaniard changes his favoured formation.

As a result, it has been reported that Estevao is growing frustrated at Stamford Bridge and although he remains happy in west London, he isn’t satisfied with his current role as a back-up player.

However, former Chelsea attacker Willian has urged his fellow Brazilian to remain patient.

“Estevão is a different kind of player. He has great quality and a commanding presence,” Willian told ESPN when asked about his compatriot. “He undoubtedly draws attention and plays an important role in the Chelsea squad. He certainly has everything it takes to be a key figure.”

Estevao still has seven years remaining on his current contract at Chelsea and while rumours claim that he could be tempted to leave in 2027 if he fails to break into Alonso’s first-choice XI, it’s unlikely that a permanent sale will be permitted.

Joao Pedro praise

Meanwhile, Willian was also keen to heap praise on Joao Pedro, who has started the 2026-27 campaign in flying form following a summer of interest from Arsenal and Barcelona.

“João Pedro has the quality and potential to shoulder that responsibility [of being the Chelsea number 9],” Willian admitted. “He is a player who has been performing very well since last season and has room to grow even further. So, without a doubt, Chelsea is in good hands in that position.”

Pedro has scored 25 goals in just 56 games since his arrival at Chelsea, and he signed a new contract at the club in August as a reward for his form over the past 12 months.