Estevao Willian, also known as ‘Messinho’, is widely regarded as the next best thing coming out of the Brazilian footballing scenes. Just 16 years old, the Palmeiras wonderkid is making all the right noises, leading to interest from the who’s who of Europe.
Indeed, Barcelona, Manchester City, Chelsea, PSG, Manchester United, and Arsenal are understood to be some of the teams vying for his signing as they scramble to secure his services.
Reports, though, have suggested that Barça might have a slight edge over the other suitors in race for Estevao, owing to the player’s desire to join the club and their close relationship with his agent, Andre Cury.
However, as per journalist Santi Ovalle, Barcelona are facing two major obstacles in their bid to sign Estevao, who will be moving to Europe only in 2025, after he turns 18.
Financial issue
One of the major hurdles for Barcelona in their pursuit of Estevao is the club’s poor financial situation.
The 16-year-old has a release clause worth €60 million in his contract with Palmeiras, which the Blaugrana are in no position to meet, while the other clubs interested in him have the wherewithal to match that figure without any problems.
It must be remembered that PSG have made an offer of €20 million plus another €25 million in variables which has not been accepted.
So, meeting the asking price for Estevao will be a huge obstacle for Barcelona, especially at a time when they are also looking for a quality pivot midfielder and potentially a left-winger and an interior as well.
Lamine Yamal
The second hurdle in Barcelona’s pursuit of Estevao, as per the report from Santi Ovalle, is the potential impact his arrival would have on the development of Lamine Yamal.
The Brazilian deploys his trade in a similar position to that of the La Masia graduate and the club’s sporting department have some concerns that having two players of a similar age, operating in the same area, might stunt the development of one of them.
At the same time, the Blaugrana are also aware that Messinho is a generational talent and missing out on him could hurt in the future.
