Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign the Brazilian prodigy, Estevao Willian. The 16-year-old’s natural abilities have earned him the title of ‘Messinho’ which is a combination of the names of Argentine great Lionel Messi and Brazil’s crown jewel Ronaldinho. According to Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo, multiple European giants are currently in a bidding war to secure the services of the young talent. Barcelona are currently the front-runners in acquiring the Brazilian’s signature but are facing some financial trouble over the youngster’s transfer from Palmeiras. Amid this awkward financial situation of the Catalans other European powerhouses like Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are looking to snoop in on the ‘Messinho’ deal.
With British Billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival at Manchester United as an investor, the Red Devils have been making some moves in the winter transfer window. United coach Erik ten Hang has been given a go to completely revamp the squad for the upcoming season. They are now scouting some emerging talents from South America to reinforce their squad. They were just recently rumoured to be in pursuit of LDU Quito midfielder Oscar Zambrano but are now also in the race to sign Estevao Willian.
Estevao Willian is a Brazilian footballer who has made only one appearance for the Palmerias senior team while mainly featuring for the youth team. In November last year, the Brazilian prodigy appeared five times for his national side at the U-17 FIFA World Cup. In those games, Willian netted a total of three goals while providing as many assists. Last Friday, he scored a brace for the U-20 Palmeiras side in their season opener against Queimadense.
Mundo Deportivo also claimed that Estevao Willian had already expressed his interest in signing for Barcelona. The young footballer grew up admiring Lionel Messi and wants to follow in his idol’s footsteps. However, the Blaugrana’s ‘delicate economic situation’ will not allow them to match the Brazilian’s release clause set at £52 million. Hence, the Spanish club will likely pass on signing the young Brazilian talent, at least in the winter transfer window. The Catalans are currently in dire need of a midfielder with Gavi’s long-term injury issue. Pedri, on the other hand, has also been experiencing some fitness problems in the last few games. This is why Barcelona will be looking for a more practical deal as they set their eyes on Girona’s Arnau Martinez.
Signing Estevao Willian isn’t going to be an easy task for Manchester United either. The club will have to sanction off a few players from their squad to make space for the Brazilian prodigy. His staggering release clause only makes things more complicated for the Red Devils.
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