-
Feature
Estevao transfer interest confirmed amid uncertain Chelsea future
2 min read
News
Several clubs across Europe are keeping close tabs on Estevao Willian’s situation at Chelsea as they eye a potential transfer next year.
The Brazil wonderkid enjoyed an excellent debut campaign at Stamford Bridge last year, but he has been the main victim of Xabi Alonso’s appointment as the new Chelsea manager this summer.
Estevao has only played 172 minutes out of possible 990 across all competitions so far this season, and he was an unused substitute during their defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
Speaking to reporters after his side’s penalty shootout loss at Anfield, Alonso admitted: “He could be happier. He wants to play. I'm sure Estevao will have his moment, it is my responsibility.
“We know the game in England is really intense, and you need to be up for it. Estevao is in his second season. The season is going to be long.”
“We started with Pedro [Neto], Morgan [Rogers] and Danny Welbeck, and the game had very intense moments.
“We knew it was going to be physical, and Malo [Gusto] had cramps, so we were a bit forced with substitutions. The season is going to be very long, and there will be moments for everyone.”
Could Estevao leave Chelsea in 2027?
Estevao remains firmly behind Pedro Neto in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, but his omission from the starting XI to face Liverpool was a major surprise due to Cole Palmer’s absence through suspension, and it’s understood that his situation is being monitored by a host of top clubs.
That is according to The Daily Mail, who report that “multiple” teams across the Premier League and Europe are watching Estevao with keen interest as they eye a possible transfer next year.
The 19-year-old was named as one of Chelsea’s “untouchables” over the summer, but he is widely out of favour under Alonso and it appears as though he is unlikely to work his way back into contention anytime soon.
Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid were all heavily linked with Estevao before his move to Chelsea, and all three clubs have been touted as possible destinations in recent weeks, with the Brazilian growing increasingly frustrated by his current status in west London.
It’s reported that Estevao’s lack of action this term isn’t due to a bust-up with Alonso, but is simply a result of “tactical and technical decisions.”
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Chelsea have no interest in sanctioning a sale next year, however Estevao’s current standing in the first-team squad is becoming an issue and the Blues are likely to receive plenty of transfer offers in 2027 if he fails to work his way into Alonso’s thinking.
Related stories:
Exclusive: Bournemouth deliver Alex Scott transfer blow to Chelsea and Liverpool
Chelsea, Arsenal and Man City want €40m striker – but is he really that good?
Transfer Rumours: Chelsea get serious over €100m signing as Nico Paz decision reached
