Brazilian wonderkid’s entourage held talks with Barcelona before Chelsea transfer

In a recent revelation by Roger Torello via Mundo Deportivo, it has been disclosed that last November, Estevao Willian and his agent, Andre Cury, visited Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper to discuss a possible transfer to Barcelona.

The 17-year-old winger from Palmeiras is set to join Premier League side Chelsea, who have made him the most expensive transfer in South American football history.

Chelsea will pay a guaranteed €34 million, with potential add-ons that could increase the total to €61.5 million. This surpasses the €60 million Real Madrid will pay for Endrick and the €61 million Barcelona could spend on Vitor Roque if all conditions are met.

Barcelona were in the running for Willian

Although Chelsea ultimately secured the deal for one of Brazil’s brightest young talents, Barcelona had long been interested in Estevao.

Prior to Deco’s arrival as part of Barcelona’s sporting management, members of the previous technical team had been closely monitoring Willian in Brazil.

Deco, who was then acting as Barcelona’s advisor in South America, had recommended Estevao. There were even meetings held in Sao Paolo with the player’s agent and parents to discuss a potential transfer.

Barcelona’s interest in Estevao did not wane over the year. They continued to follow his progress, especially after he debuted with Palmeiras’ first team following a standout performance in the U-17 World Cup with Brazil.

When things got serious

In November, as various clubs began to vie for his signature, Estevao’s father, Ivo, along with Andre Cury, travelled to Barcelona to get a firsthand look at what the interested clubs had to offer.

Their European tour included stops in Paris to meet with PSG, and in London to meet with Chelsea and Arsenal, as well as Tottenham and Manchester City.

In Barcelona, Ivo visited the Ciutat Esportiva de Sant Joan Despi, met with Deco, and toured the club’s facilities and museum. Despite Estevao’s clear desire to join Barcelona circumstances at Barcelona changed.

The emergence of young talent Lamine Yamal and the club’s pressing financial priorities meant that Barcelona had to pass on the opportunity to sign Willian.

Consequently, the Palmeiras winger chose Chelsea, where he is set to play starting in the summer of 2025, once he turns 18.