Brazilian wonderkid wants Barcelona move despite Man Utd & Arsenal interest

Cameron Smith

• 29 Dec 2023 07:00 CST
• 3 min read

Palmeiras and Brazil wonderkid Estevao Willian wants to join Barcelona despite the financial difficulties currently present at Camp Nou.

Estevao, who is commonly known as Messinho due to widespread comparisons with Blaugrana legend Lionel Messi, is one of the best young prospects in world football and every big club in Europe wants to sign him.

Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with a move for the 16-year-old in recent months as they look to land one of Brazil’s next big stars.

During an interview with Mundo Deportivo in October, Estevao revealed that it was his dream to join Barcelona and the teenager remains determined to join the Spanish giants in 2024.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Palmeiras are now putting pressure on Estevao to choose his next club as they eye up another big-money sale following Endrick’s agreement to join Real Madrid next year.

Estevao wants to join Barcelona

Estevao is unable to leave Brazil until 2025, when he turns 18, but Palmeiras want to guarantee his departure, similar to how Endrick’s proposal to sign for Los Blancos was agreed well in advance.

Andre Cury, Estevao’s agent, will travel to Barcelona next week as he is also the agent of Vitor Roque, who will join the Blaugrana in January. During his trip to Spain, Cury will discuss the possibility of Estevao joining Roque at Camp Nou in 2025, as per Mundo Deportivo.

It remains to be seen if Barca will have the financial resources to afford Estevao, but the Brazilian wonderkid is desperate to join the club, despite the fact that fellow youngster Lamine Yamal plays in his position.

Estevao only has one appearance for Palmerias’ senior team so far, with his debut coming off the bench against Cruzeiro in the final Brazilian top flight game of 2023. He is expected to play a more prevalent role next year, however.