Chelsea make Estevao sale decision

28 Sept 2026 16:59 BST |
2 min read

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Chelsea view Estevao Willian as one of their ‘untouchable’ stars following rumours that Barcelona are ready to pursue a deal in 2027.

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The Brazil forward enjoyed an eye-catching debut campaign at Stamford Bridge last year, but he has been the main victim of the club’s decision to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new permanent manager over the summer.

Alonso has favoured a 3-4-2-1 system during the early weeks of his Chelsea reign and with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro quickly establishing themselves as the Blues’ first-choice front three, Estevao has found game time hard to come by.

The 19-year-old has only played 23 minutes out of a possible 450 across Chelsea’s first five games of the new Premier League season and rumours have suggested that he is already growing frustrated by his lack of game time.

Meanwhile, reports in Spain claim that Barcelona are actively monitoring the Brazilian’s situation as they consider a possible approach next year.

However, Estevao’s current contract at Stamford Bridge isn’t due to expire until 2033 and the Chelsea hierarchy view him as one of their ‘untouchables’, as confirmed by Football.London. As a result, they will not sanction a sale in 2027.

Estevao to stay at Chelsea

Estevao has struggled to work his way into favour under Alonso, but the Chelsea manager has confirmed that he plans on using the 19-year-old throughout the season.

“With Este, 100% because of his potential, because he’s so young but he’s in that process to adapt and to learn quick. And the season is going to be long,” Alonso told reporters before the September international break.

“[We’ve had] private conversations, they should remain private. But the season is going to be long. And the players that they have the desire and the hunger to prove every day that they are up for the challenge, it’s what we want to create here in the building. And Este is part of it.

“So he has a very good attitude, very good mentality to prepare every game and to be ready for the team.”

Meanwhile, when asked about his current lack of game time at Chelsea while on international duty with Brazil last week, Estevao told ESPN: “I think every coach has their own way of playing. Of course, we work every day, I give my best every day, and that’s what I do.

“We have quality players at Chelsea, so what I do is focus on what I can control, I try to give my best in training, when I get an opportunity I try to give my best, it goes day after day.

“I try to seize every opportunity I have, I try to control everything I can and I leave it in God’s hands, and I trust myself a lot too.”