Estevao ready to explore Chelsea exit - on one condition

3 Sept 2026 07:32 BST | 4 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Make us your Google favourite

Chelsea winger Estevao Willian could explore a possible transfer when the January window opens if he continues to receive limited first-team opportunities at Stamford Bridge.

Article continues under the video

The Brazil international, who missed the World Cup through injury, was an unused substitute during Chelsea’s 4-3 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, while he only made a seven-minute cameo in their first Premier League fixture of the season against Fulham.

He started against League One outfit Luton Town in the Carabao Cup last week, but it’s clear that Estevao isn’t one of Xabi Alonso’s preferred attackers options and he may struggle to break into Chelsea’s first-choice XI this term.

Current ETV

Estêvão Willian

F, M (R), AM (C)

Chelsea

Estêvão Willian

F, M (R), AM (C)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€70.8M - €86.6M

Alonso has used a 3-4-2-1 system in both of Chelsea’s two league matches so far this season and with Cole Palmer deployed as a right-sided No.10, it’s no surprise that Estevao has found game time hard to come by.

The 18-year-old isn’t well-suited to playing as a wing-back, given his lack of defensive nous, and it’s difficult to imagine a scenario in which he displaces Palmer in the pecking order considering the England star’s current form.

As a result, it’s understood that Estevao could potentially look to leave Chelsea when the winter transfer window opens on 1 January. That is according to ESPN Brazil, who report that while Estevao remains happy at Stamford Bridge and wants to stay at the club, his stance could change if he continues to struggle for game time.

Liverpool were linked with a shock late move for the Brazil starlet during the final few days of the summer transfer window, while La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid were both desperate to sign him before Chelsea agreed a deal for his signature back in 2024.

The teenager was a bright spark for Chelsea last season, scoring eight goals in 36 games during his debut campaign, but the Blues have strengthened their forward roster with the signings of Morgan Rogers, Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha and Danny Welbeck this summer, and Estevao has reportedly told close associates that he believes he won’t be given many opportunities by Alonso.

Could Estevao leave Chelsea?

While Estevao is unsurprisingly frustrated by his lack of game time so far this season, Chelsea are extremely unlikely to sanction a permanent sale given his evident talent and the fact his contract doesn’t expire until 2033.

As a result, a possible exit in January would almost certainly be a loan, although Chelsea may be reluctant to sanction any deal if they are in the running for major honours.

Furthermore, while Chelsea don’t have European football this term, Alonso will still need to rotate his squad over the coming months, especially during the busy Christmas period, and Estevao is therefore highly likely to be given a run of consistent game time if he impresses in training.