Chelsea target with €60 million release clause dreaming of joining Barcelona - Reports

Etevao Willian, also known as Messinho, prefers a move to Barcelona despite concrete interest from Chelsea, according to Barca Universal. The winger is currently 16 years old and will only move to a European giant once he turns 18 in two years time.

Estevao is yet another highly sought after Brazil wonderkid, following in the footsteps of Endrick and Victor Roque. The latter recently joined Barcelona from Brazilian outfit Athletico Paranaense for a fee of around €40 million.

The Catalan giants have once again emerged as a potential destination for another young attacker in the form of Etevao. Chelsea, however, have already started making moves to secure the services of the 16-year-old winger.

According to the aforementioned source, the Blues are ready to meet Estevao's €60 million release clause, something the La Liga giants are not capable of. However, this is not the end of the road as far as Barcelona are concerned.

According to Mundo Deportivo (via Barca Universal), Etevao Willian and his representatives are unaware of Chelsea's efforts to make him their new signning in 2025. Reports, however, suggest that the west London giants are already planning things ahead to secure Etevao.

Chelsea have already sent a few club officials to Brazil to strike a deal with Estevao's club Palmeiras. However, all of this is reportedly happening without the notice of the player and his representatives.

According to Barca Universal, Barcelona still remains Estevao's dream club to play for in his career. However, there are a couple of factors that might hinder the outcome of the transfer.

Firstly, Barca's financial issues, which have been well documented over the past few years, could see them fail to pay Estevao's release clause of €60 million. And secondly, Palmeiras are unwilling to negotiate with any possible suitors for a lowered price than the release clause.

---

How has Chelsea and Barcelona target Etevao Willian has had a promising start to his footballing career

Etevao Willian has been representing Palmeiras' U20 side and has also broken into the senior outfit despite his tender age.

He has played a total of 17 matches for Palmeiras' U20 side in his short career and has already scored six goals. This includes a brace against Queimadense U20 earlier in January, when his side secured an emphatic 7-0 victory.

Etevao's one and only appearance for Palmeiras' senior side came against Cruzerio back in July 2023 in a 1-1 draw. He came on as a second half substitute and played 12 minutes.

Etevapo has also represented Brazil's U17 side on five occasions, scoring three times in those games.