Barcelona face Chelsea and PSG battle in pursuit of South American prodigy

Journalist Fabrizio Romano, via The Residency, reports that Barcelona have a keen interest in Estevao Willian, nicknamed ‘Messinho’, but no solid agreement has been reached yet due to the high cost involved. 

The reporter adds that Barcelona’s chances of signing the young Brazilian talent seem difficult, with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea also eyeing the 16-year-old starlet.

A few days before, we reported that Barcelona have made significant strides in their negotiations with Estevao and his team, to the extent that the talented teenager now views the Catalan club as his preferred choice.

Any move will be difficult because of the costs involved, with Palmeiras pointing towards his €60 million release clause.

On top of that, the competition from Chelsea and PSG, who are in much better position financially, makes it even harder.

Contradicting reports emerge

While Romano insists that Barcelona remain interested in Estevao, over the past few hours, though, reports in Spain claim that the Catalans have changed their stance and they might not go after Estevao owing to Lamine Yamal.

Barcelona are no longer interested in Estevao. (Photo courtesy: Palmeiras)

It is to be noted that 16-year-old Estevao plays in the same position as Yamal and Barcelona will not take any decision that would affect their prodigy progress. 

Now, despite the Brazilian’s public admiration of the Blaugrana, the club has decided not to pursue the Brazilian talent, not because of financial reasons, but because he shares both the same age and position as Lamine.

“To play for Barcelona, which is one of the best clubs in the world. I was born watching Neymar, Messi, and Suárez play for Barcelona and that’s the dream I have,” said Estevao a few months ago.

It is believed that anyone interested in Estevao’s acquisition will have to pay his €60 million worth of release clause and for Barcelona, spending this much on a 16-year-old talent who will fight for a place with Yamal would not make sense.

Instead, the team might as well utilize the fund towards a better investment, maybe a pivot, which happens to be a position of absolute necessity.