Despite the best attempts of Barcelona to procure the greatest talents they can find, it is not always easy. La Blaugrana are globally renowned for both their development and scouting of elite young talents. However, not every promising youngster can become a reality for Barcelona.
One name that many top clubs, including Barça, have been following for quite some time is Estevão Willian. Nicknamed ‘Messinho’, he is a Brazilian talent with great promise. In fact, he is recognized as being one of the pearls of Brazilian football and among its greatest products in recent years.
A forward for Palmeiras, his projection is so great that it has made the likes of even Barcelona become invested. However, despite the club’s best intentions, his signing seems to slipping further away. According to Mundo Deportivo, the primary reason is none other than Barça’s finances.
Unable to pay his €60 million release clause at the moment, Barcelona are losing a significant advantage in the race for the Brazilian prodigy. Other major European clubs are prepared to pay this release clause and secure the player’s services; however, the 16-year-old’s desire remains to join Blaugrana.
In fact, both the player and his father dreamt of him joining Barcelona. Even admitting to his admiration for the club publicly, ‘Messinho’ remains a great fan of both Barcelona and Lionel Messi. Instead of Barcelona, however, clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester City, and PSG are all interested in paying Willian’s release clause.
This would come as a great blow to La Blaugrana, who are aware of the player’s desire to join them. While the youngster will likely make the jump to Europe in 2025, when he is finally of legal age, Palmeiras hope to finalize a transfer beforehand. As such, time continues to tick away, and Barcelona continue to fall behind.
