The latest off the Brazilian talent line is Estevao Willian, also known as ‘Messinho’, who is beginning to show his talent at Palmeiras this season. At just 16 years of age, he is already well known to Europe’s top clubs, including Real Madrid.
Los Blancos have already wrapped up Endrick Felipe, who will join in July, but his successor at O Verdao is also catching the eye of late, not least those of Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Chelsea, as per Diario AS. The latter had moved fastest for Estevao, but are yet to put down an offer for him.
Neither have Real Madrid. He is not currently in their plans, and while they are currently monitoring his progress, they do not intend on putting up the €55m it would cost for his release clause, including the €10m payable in taxes. Their priority is still Franco Mastantuono of River Plate, who they have made contact with.
Previously Estevao has given interviews declaring his love for Barcelona and desire to play for them, clearly idolising Lionel Messi has fed into his nickname. However the Blaugrana look to have given up any hope of being the ones to bring him to Europe, given their finances simply won’t stretch as far as others. In addition, they also have the emerging talent of Lamine Yamal at a similar age to cultivate.
Estevao and Mastantuono also operate in similar areas of the pitch, and ahead of the latter, he will have Arda Guler if he does join Real Madrid. The 19-year-old Turkish starlet is already finding that minutes can be hard to come by at the Santiago Bernabeu.
