FC Barcelona has suffered a major blow in its long-term transfer plans. One of the players who was an absolute priority for the sporting management has decided to sign for another team. The deal, already confirmed, represents one of the largest investments for a South American talent in recent history.
Joan Laporta and Deco had been closely following the footballer's development for months. The sporting project, the play style, and the trust placed in him seemed like sufficient arguments to close a deal. However, the outcome has been completely different from what the offices at Ciutat Esportiva desired.
The club trusted his arrival, but everything changed
Barça's intention was clear: close a deal with Palmeiras as soon as possible for one of its offensive gems. The plan was to bring him in for 2025, after he turned 18, following the model used with other South American talents. There were even positive initial contacts with the player's camp.
Hansi Flick had given the green light to his arrival, considering him an ideal profile for the new project. The sporting management believed that, with time and support, he could become one of the main references in the attack. However, other more aggressive financial offers have changed the scenario.
From London, another major European club has moved quickly and decisively to close his signing. The project led by Enzo Maresca has proven more attractive to the player and his camp. The agreement includes figures that Barça, due to its financial situation, couldn't match.
The result is a decision that has been interpreted as a true sporting betrayal. In Barcelona, the disappointment is evident, as this was a strategic bet for the future. This setback forces the scouting department to rethink its priorities.
A record contract that breaks the market
The young footballer will sign a seven-season contract with his new club, until June 2032. The deal, according to sources such as Transfermarkt and beIN SPORTS, reaches a total cost of €61.5 million. This figure includes a fixed part of €34 million, plus another €27.5 million in variables.
The magnitude of the signing makes it one of the highest transfers in the history of South American soccer. It even surpasses what Real Madrid paid for Endrick, another Brazilian gem who will soon arrive in Europe. The player's new destination reflects the enormous expectations he generates.
The agreement has been sealed with Palmeiras, the training club that will keep the footballer on its roster until 2025. It will be then when he crosses the Atlantic to begin his new professional stage in the Premier League. Until then, he will continue competing in the Brazilian league as usual.
The contract includes advantageous conditions for both the player and his camp. In addition to the salary, there are bonuses for performance, titles, and international appearances. The London club has designed a comprehensive proposal that strengthens its strategy of attracting early talent.
The chosen one
The player in question is Estevao Willian, better known as "Messinho" for his electric and unbalancing play style. At 17 years old, he is considered one of the greatest revelations in Brazilian soccer in the last decade. His media explosion has been comparable to that of other legends from the country.
Barça had been following him for some time, but in the end, Chelsea has come out on top. Pochettino will have at his disposal a footballer with dribbling, vision, and the ability to combine in the final third. Everything indicates that he will be one of the emerging stars of the English league.
Deco, despite the defeat in this negotiation, keeps his plan active to reinforce the attacking front with other names. The club assumes that there will be more similar situations in an increasingly aggressive and competitive market. The priority will be to keep detecting talent before its price skyrockets.
Estevao Willian thus joins the list of young prospects who choose London over Barcelona. This is a reality that the Catalan club will have to fight with ingenuity, strategy, and a truly distinctive sporting offer. The battle for global talent gives no respite.