Because of the Blaugrana’s indecision, Barcelona’s proposed move for 16-year-old Palmeiras winger Estevao Willian is reportedly in danger of failing.
After the talented 16-year-old made his first team debut, a number of elite European clubs, including the La Liga champions, are reportedly hoping to sign him.
Born in 2007, Estevao made his Palmeiras senior debut as a late substitute against former club Cruzeiro in the final gameweek of the 2023 Brasileiro season.
But Estevao really made his name known to the world at the Under-17 World Cup in November, when he helped Brazil advance to the quarterfinals by scoring three goals and setting up three more.
Before Brazil lost to Argentina in the quarterfinals, Estevao scored one goal of his own and provided three assists in a 9-0 group-stage rout of New Caledonia. He also scored two goals in a 3-1 victory over Ecuador in the last-16.
Although Palmeiras and the 16-year-old agreed to professional terms back in April that would last until the summer of 2026, the Brazilian powerhouses will have a difficult time holding onto the 16-year-old for the long run.
Estevao can’t legally join any club in Europe until he turns 18 in April 2025, so Chelsea and Real Madrid are reportedly first in line for his services.
The Brazil Under-17 international has also caught the attention of Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, and Barcelona, according to Mundo Deportivo, who has been referred to as “Messinho” with affection.
According to reports, Estevao is dead set on moving to Camp Nou in the future after touring the facilities with his father, as he did with several other European clubs.
According to reports, the attacker’s Palmeiras contract has a release clause worth €60 million (£52.1 million). However, given Barcelona’s current financial situation, Estevao is reevaluating his options.
Palmeiras is eager for Estevao to make his final decision as soon as possible, and all other interested parties are reportedly willing to pay Estevao’s release clause in full.
Barcelona’s protracted financial difficulties have reportedly made Estevao’s decision-making “increasingly difficult,” as they have not taken any formal action to sign the player.
Concerning Palmeiras, the Brazilian champions hope Estevao will emulate Endrick, who made a snap decision to join Real Madrid and agreed to move to the Bernabeu in December 2022.
Endrick was able to concentrate on his 2023 season with Palmeiras after a smooth negotiation process. The 17-year-old scored 14 goals in 53 games, including 11 in his team’s victorious Brasileiro campaign.
Although Endrick’s official €37.5 million (£32.5 million) transfer will not take effect until July 2024, he has already visited Madrid to watch Los Blancos play and get to know his future teammates.
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