Xabi Alonso has been urged to ‘sacrifice’ Estevao Willian from his Chelsea project after he was linked with a move to Barcelona.
Chelsea signed teenage sensation Estevao from Brazilian side Palmeiras in 2025, beating a host of clubs to his signature.
Estevao showed glimpses of his immense potential last season, scoring eight goals in 36 appearances despite being managed carefully by former bosses Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
The 19-year-old was quickly branded one of the best young players in the world and put himself in contention for Brazil’s World Cup squad before an untimely injury at the end of the campaign.
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Alonso’s arrival at Stamford Bridge has not been immediately beneficial for Estevao, who is yet to start a Premier League game for Chelsea this season.
This lack of game-time has led to speculation Estevao is frustrated in west London and could try to leave Chelsea less than 18 months after his arrival.
According to reports in Spain, Barcelona have even expressed interest in a deal, having admired Estevao ever since he came through in Brazil.
Frank Leboeuf insists it would be a ‘shame’ if Estevao left Chelsea but believes it may be in the best interest of all parties to go their separate ways.
‘I think Estevao might have to leave Chelsea and it’s a shame because he is a pure talent,’ the former Stamford Bridge defender told My Gamble.
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‘But Xabi Alonso proved at Leverkusen that his system works by going undefeated and winning the Bundesliga. Why change it?
‘He joined Chelsea when Estevao was already there, but he didn’t specifically choose him. Estevao might be sacrificed. It might be time to sell him.
‘If you’re not going to use him, sell him, because he deserves to play and could be well-utilized by other teams. He has great talent.
‘If Xabi Alonso doesn’t need him, why keep him instead of letting him move elsewhere?’
Estevao came on as a late substitute in Chelsea’s deflating 3-0 defeat to Brentford before the international break.
The teenager started for Brazil in their friendly against Australia on Friday night and will hope for more minutes when Carlo Ancelotti’s side face the same opponents this week.
Alonso’s Chelsea are just 10th in the Premier League after five games despite an encouraging start to the season in which they won their first three fixtures.
The Blues return to action after the international break with a home game against struggling Bournemouth.
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