Estevao's agent causes panic as he has 'special place in heart' for rivals

Estevao Willian scored in Chelsea's 3-0 Champions League win over Barcelona on Tuesday night, but his agent sparked concern with some comments he made

Estevao Willian's agent has opened up on how close the Chelsea star was to signing for Barcelona before his move to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea sealed a deal to sign Estevao from Palmeiras in the summer of 2024, with an initial price tag of £29million, potentially rising to £55million with add-ons.

After spending the following year with his former club, Estevao officially became a Chelsea player in the summer. He previously faced the Blues while playing for Palmeiras in the FIFA Club World Cup.

On Tuesday night, Estevao stole the limelight for Chelsea again as he netted a goal in their 3-0 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League Liam Delap was also on the scoresheet as well as an own goal from Jules Kounde.

With Estevao garnering plenty of praise for his performance against Barcelona, his agent has revealed just how near the forward came to moving to Camp Nou instead of Stamford Bridge. Speaking to Cadena SER, via Sport, he said:

"In 2018, I started preparing reports on Estevao. In 2019, I took Abidal to Brazil to see him play,.

"Even at 11 years old, it was clear he would be something special. We spoke with Barca about Estevao in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, after I left the club.

"We offered the player because we believed he had a very bright future, but Barca's finances weren't in good shape.

"The technical staff always approved the signing, but Deco [Barcelona director of football], with whom we met more than once, is very close to the club because their financial situation didn't allow them to complete this operation."

The agent also issued something of a warning to Chelsea, suggesting that Estevao maintains a strong bond with Barcelona, which will have sparked concern among Blues supporters.

He added that Estevao "now has a contract and is enjoying himself at Chelsea," whilst claiming that the Blues starlet "has a special affection for Barca."

Following Estevao's strike against Barcelona, the Chelsea youngster has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi. Yet Blues manager Enzo Maresca has explained why he believes such comparisons aren't beneficial. "The goal from Estevao reminded me of the goal he scored against us in the Club World Cup, that is very similar, same action," Maresca said.

"Estevao needs to relax, he needs to enjoy, he needs to session, he needs to play football. Him, Lamine [Yamal], they are so young, 18, that if you start to talk about Messi, Ronaldo, I think it's too much pressure for young boys like them.

"[At] 18, they need to enjoy, they need to arrive at the training ground happy. But when you start to compare them with Messi or with Ronaldo, I think it's too much for them."