Estevao Willian’s agent admits it was ‘a shame’ Chelsea wonderkid didn’t sign for Barcelona

Barcelona could have signed Estevao Willian instead of Chelsea, according to the superstar’s agent.

The Blues welcomed the Brazilian starlet from Palmeiras during the summer after announcing a deal worth £56million in June 2024.

Getty

Estevao has played 740 minutes in his debut season so far and scored five goals in all competitions along with one assist on the right wing.

His latest strike came in Chelsea’s 3-0 victory against Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday night – a stunning run and finish.

The 18-year-old is regarded as one of the best young talents in world football having made such an impressive start at Stamford Bridge.

However, he could have moved to Spain instead of England, having been a target for fellow European giants Barcelona.

In an interview with Cadena SER, Estevao’s agent Andre Cury detailed his extensive contact with Barca: “In 2018 I started doing reports on Estevao.

“In 2019, I took [former Barcelona sporting director Eric] Abidal to Brazil to watch one of his matches, and you could already see when he was 11-years old that he was different and that he wanted to be a Ballon d’Or winner.

“I’ve always talked about him, and now what I said is starting to be confirmed. After I left Barca, we talked about Estevao in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

“We went to the offices to offer the player because I believed he had a great future in world football.

“Barca isn’t in a good financial position, and sometimes a deal can’t be made. It’s a shame, but it’s a shame.”

Cury added: “The technical staff always approved Estevao’s signing, and we met with Deco [current sporting director] more than once.

Getty

“But Deco is tied to the club because the club’s finances don’t allow for a signing for the future.

“For example, with Vitor Roque, the club rushed into a mistake. A player can’t be signed and then, after four months, be no longer useful. With Vitor, the atmosphere wasn’t right to sign Estevao.”

Lamine Yamal, who underwhelmed against Chelsea, plays in the same position as Estevao as one of Barca’s latest La Masia products.

However, Cury said his client can also play through the middle, and hinted they could emulate two club legends if they played together.

“Think of the Neymar-[Lionel] Messi duo, it’s better than just having Messi or just having Neymar.

“Estevao has five years left on his contract and is enjoying himself at Chelsea. He has a special affection for Barca.”

Getty

Estevao at Chelsea so far

Soon after he scored against Chelsea for Palmeiras at the Club World Cup, Estevao completed his move to west London.

The teenager impressed in their pre-season friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan before making his competitive debut.

Estevao came off the bench against Crystal Palace and then started in a 5-1 win over West Ham, during which he assisted Enzo Fernandez.

He netted his first Chelsea goal with a stoppage time winner against Liverpool last month that sparked wild celebrations at the Bridge.

Goals against Ajax, Wolves and Qarabag followed for the young Brazilian international before his stunning strike versus Barcelona.

Estevao has played 740 minutes across 17 appearances for Chelsea, but could swiftly become a regular starter under Enzo Maresca.