The Brazilian had impressed during the Club World Cup, but this evening was considered his first big performance in the Champions League.
Estevao has been well known to Barcelona fans for some time, having initially been billed as ‘Messinho’. The 18-year-old was once tipped to join Barcelona or Real Madrid, but it was ultimately Chelsea who won the race for his signature, paying 45 million euros to snatch him from Palmeiras. Real Madrid then bet on Rodrygo Goes, while Barcelona trusted Lamine Yamal in the same position, which explains why neither club invested massively in the young prodigy.
André Cury: “Deco blocked the transfer of Estevao”
Agent André Cury, who also worked as a recruiter for FC Barcelona, explained on Wednesday on Cadena SER (via Sport) that Barça’s technical staff had agreed to the transfer of the young talent before his arrival at Chelsea.
“In 2018, I started writing reports on Estevao. In 2019, I took Abidal to Brazil to watch him play. Even at age 11, it was clear he had exceptional potential. We discussed Estevao with Barça in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, after I leave the club. »
However, sporting director Deco put an end to any agreement.
“We offered the player because we thought he had a very promising future, but Barça’s financial situation was difficult. The technical staff always approved the transfer, but Deco, whom we met several times, is very close to the club because their financial situation did not allow them to finalize the operation. »
Estevao remains attached to Barça.
Cury, who currently represents Estevao, added that he retains a special affection for the Blaugrana.
“He now has a contract and is thriving at Chelsea”but ” he keeps a special place in his heart for Barça”he declared, before assuring that Lamine Yamal and Estevao were compatible.
While Estevao clearly shone on Tuesday night, the fact that one played and the other on the bench or out of position would no doubt have raised questions at Barcelona. Given that Lamine Yamal is a pure product of La Masia and did not cost a transfer fee, it can be argued that Barca made the right choice.
