Barcelona to miss out on wonderkid as Chelsea, Bayern Munich emerge as contenders

Estevao Willian, also known as ‘Messinho’, has been linked heavily with a move to FC Barcelona in the recent past.

The 17-year-old Palmeiras wonderkid has himself gone on record to say that he dreams of joining the Blaugrana in the past.

However, given their financial situation, of late it has started to appear that Estevao is likely to slip out of Barcelona’s grasp despite the player’s insistence on joining them.

Estevao to the Premier League or Bundesliga

Indeed, journalist Ben Jacobs has come forward with an update on the situation of Estevao, who will be able to move to Europe when he turns 18 in 2025.

As per the report, Barcelona like Estevao a lot and the player still dreams of the Catalans, but a move is not seen as viable by those close to the situation.

Instead, the youngster’s circle suggest that he is likely to end up either in the Premier League or in the Bundesliga, where he has multiple suitors.

For now, it is Chelsea who have taken a step forward by entering into talks with Palmeiras for Estevao, with there being optimism that a deal can be struck.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are also expected to put forth an offer for the 17-year-old versatile attacking midfielder.

Real Madrid had been credited with an interest, but are out of the race.

Finances an issue

As has been well-publicised by now, Estevao has a release clause worth €60 million in his contract with Palmeiras, a figure that Barcelona cannot match at this moment.

Furthermore, the report from Ben Jacobs insists that the Brazilian outfit is looking for a figure of €40 million in fixed fee and a variable component so that the total value of the deal reaches €70 million.

It is simply out of the question for Barcelona to shell out such a sum at a point when they have other important priorities heading into the summer.

As such, a move for Estevao is not seen as feasible, with the young whizkid likely to be on his way to England or Germany.