Man Utd determined to steal 'SENSATIONAL' €90m wonderkid from Real Madrid

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 4 Apr 2024 15:31 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United are determined to hijack Real Madrid’s move for Estevao Willian, who has been nicknamed ‘Messinho’.

Real Madrid have made a habit of acquiring Brazil’s top young prospects in recent seasons, with Vini Jr and Rodrygo set to be followed to the Bernabeu by Endrick this summer.

Los Blancos have also earmarked Estevao Willian to join this star trio but face competition from Man Utd, according to Defensa Central via Fichajes.

READ MORE: PSG want Real Madrid star in return for Mbappe

“Manchester United are determined to overtake Real Madrid in the fight to sign Palmeiras' young prodigy Estevao Willian, known as ‘Messinho’ in Brazil. The English club seeks to sabotage Real Madrid's plans to acquire the sensational Brazilian attacker,” it is stated.

Messinho’s strong U17 World Cup, where he scored two and set up three, brought him to the attention of the world, which he has also played five times for the Palmeiras first team.

READ MORE: Mount to Man Utd has been a DISASTER – but Chelsea have Premier League’s worst signing

Me gustaría tener una maquina del tiempo para ver que dirán los madridistas del JOGA BONITO de Messinho en el Barça…

¿Provocador? O solo quiere jugar al fútbol? pic.twitter.com/YqfU7SkaPw

— Hansi Flick (@HansiFlickFCB) March 29, 2024

According to the report, Man Utd are willing to spend as much as €90 million to sign the teenager – even if that is above his release clause of €60m. This underlines their commitment to signing the player, who they see as a “long-term investment” at the club.

The battle to sign Estevao promises to be intense, with Chelsea having also positioned themselves to pay the youngster’s release clause.

Barcelona and PSG have dropped out of the race, with both clubs feeling that the €60m figure placed on his head is too great a risk.

’Call me Estevao - not Messinho’

Estevao is hopeful that his ‘Messinho’ nickname, which means ‘little Messi’ will soon be dropped.

Speaking to AS recently, he said: “I don't like being called Messinho because my name is Estevao and I'm going to be Estevao. On the field I am Estevao and I am very happy and grateful for it. Personally, I don't like that last name Messinho, I prefer Estevao.”

If Man Utd are successful in signing Estevao, he would only be able to join the club when he turns 18, so any deal would be on hold, much like Endrick’s agreement at Real Madrid.