Barcelona are facing massive challenges in their attempt to sign Palmeiras’s talent, Estevao Willian, with rivals ready to swoop in.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the economic situation at Barcelona could see them miss out on a few prospective signings for the future. One of those is Estevao Willian, with rivals like Chelsea ready to pay the €60 million-rated Palmeiras star’s release clause.
Top clubs are chasing Estevao Willian
Real Madrid opened the pandora’s box by making a massive move for Endrick from Palmeiras earlier this year, which has sparked a new trend in signings from South American clubs. The Brazilian side already have several more players, possibly even more talented than Endrick.
Estevao Willian is one of those future stars, and Palmeiras are open to cashing in now rather than waiting for the player to turn 18. If European clubs come in for the player, they must invest the money now but could only have the player in the summer of 2025.
Real Madrid are open to the idea and have good relations with Palmeiras after the Endrick deal. However, as per multiple reports, many other sides are keen on Estevao Willian, including Barcelona, a player’s preferred club.
Chelsea are best placed to pay his release clause but so are Manchester City. Estevao Willian’s current clause stipulates clubs pay €60 million to sign him, something Palmeiras are pushing hard to get done. Chelsea have already made headway in the South American market as they have spent a chunk of their money on future talents from the continent.
While Barcelona could have the upper hand over all their rivals, several issues at the club will jeopardise any move for Estevao Willian, especially as the January window inches closer.
Barcelona move for Estevao Willian in jeopardy?
Barcelona may have already sounded out a move for Estevao Willian, who, through his father, might readily prefer to join the Catalans. However, things are far more complicated for the Spanish giants to contemplate an investment in a future player at this moment.
Having made contact, Barcelona would have known the price of the €60 million-rated Chelsea target. They might have even thought about ideas on how they can come up with the money or even convince the player and his camp to postpone any deal to next year in a bid to gain momentum.
Palmeiras are keen to collect a hefty price tag on Estevao Willian now rather than wait for future moves to materialise. At this moment, Barcelona cannot afford to pay anything for Estevao Willian, which might see them bow out of the race.
With their rivals ready to invest heavily in the youngster, the Catalans may have no chance of signing Estevao Willian. Moreover, due to some injuries and overall uncertainty around their squad, they might even need new stars for immediate use, which will postpone any deal for young prospects.
