- Brazilian star Estevao is reportedly committed to joining Barcelona next summer
- Barca have reportedly been tracking the winger for over a year ahead of a move
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Barcelona have reportedly been given permission to sign highly-rated Brazilian youngster Estevao Willian.
The winger was nicknamed 'Messinho' in his youth due to his technical similarities to the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, and he became the youngest Brazilian player to be sponsored by Nike in 2018 at the age of just 10.
Estevao made his senior debut for Palmeiras in December, becoming the club's fourth youngest player.
But despite being at such an early stage in his career, the Brazilian youth international is already generating significant interest from European clubs.
This is evident from a report from a Spanish publication Mundo DeportivoEstevao is determined to join Barcelona once FIFA transfer rules allow him to leave South America in the summer of 2025.
Brazilian youngster Estevao is reportedly set to join Barcelona once he turns 18
The Catalan giants have reportedly been monitoring Estevao's progress for over a year
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Barcelona are said to have been keeping a close eye on Estevao's progress for at least a year, with the club's sporting director Deco reportedly a big admirer of the young talent.
Estevao is keen to follow in Messi's footsteps in Catalonia and describes Barcelona as his 'dream move', with Manchester United, Chelsea and PSG all reportedly interested in signing the star as well.
Last year, the 16-year-old was selected to be part of the Brazilian team at the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia.
Estevao featured in all five of Brazil's matches, including a 2–1 win over an English team featuring Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri in the group stage.
The 16-year-old was part of the Brazilian squad that reached the quarter-finals of the U-17 World Cup last summer
The Selecao would eventually be eliminated in the quarter-finals in a 3-0 loss to Argentina.
The Catalan giants might have already made a move for Estevao if their financial situation was not as fragile as it is now.
The Blaugrana's financial prospects are not as bleak as in recent years when the club reportedly feared possible bankruptcy, but Xavi is still said to have been forced to prioritize other goals before moving to Estevao.