Transfer Centre

Real Madrid 'join race for £52m-rated Brazilian teenager Estevao Willian'

By Andrew Delaney, Reporter | 24 November 2023

Real Madrid are the next big club reportedly showing interest in Brazil Under-17 attacker Estevao Willian, who has also been linked with Barcelona and the Premier League.

Real Madrid have reportedly joined the race for Brazilian youngster Estevao Willian, following his performances at the Under-17 World Cup.

The 16-year-old, who is also known by the moniker 'Messinho' due to his similar playing style of Lionel Messi, is yet to feature at senior level, but has already been linked with some of the world's biggest clubs.

Real's bitter rivals Barcelona, along with Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League trio Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea have all also been rumoured to be keeping tabs on the teenager.

The player revealed his desire to play for Barcelona one day in a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo ahead of the Under-17 World Cup.

However, another report from Mundo Deportivo now claims that Real Madrid are also in for the player, who has a release clause of €60m (£52m), after signing his first professional contract in April after turning 16.

The report states that Real contacted Palmeiras this week over striking a deal, and they will also look to use the representatives that helped them secure a deal for Vinicius Junior to act as an intermediary.

Palmeiras' Endrick celebrates scoring their second goal on October 25, 2022 © Reuters

Vini Jr joined Los Blancos for £38m from Flamengo in 2018, while the club have already agreed to sign recent Brazil debutant Endrick from Palmeiras next summer.

Estevao has lit up the Under-17 World Cup as arguably Brazil's best player at the tournament, with three goals in four starts.

After losing their opening game 3-2 to Iran, manager Phelipe Leal promoted Estevao to the starting XI against New Caledonia, and he got in on the act in a routine 9-0 win while also providing three assists.

Estevao started again as Brazil beat England 2-1 in their must-win group win finale to send them through to the last 16, where he shone, scoring twice in a 3-1 win over fellow South American nation Ecuador.

Brazil's journey in Indonesia came to end on Friday afternoon though, as they were knocked out by their old foes Argentina, just days after the senior side inflicted a first-ever home World Cup qualifying defeat on the Selecao.