The 16-year-old is one of South America’s most promising young talents, although he has only made one senior appearance for Palmeiras so far.
Estevao is already making waves at Under-20 level, though, netting twice in a 7-0 Copinha win over Queimadense on Thursday, and he was one of the stars of the 2023 Under-17 World Cup.
The 2007-born forward could not save Brazil from losing to Argentina in the quarterfinals, but he scored three goals and scored three more in the November tournament, attracting many eyes from all over Europe.
All of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have been tipped to make a move for Estevao, whose contract with Palmeiras runs until 2026 with a release clause of €60m (£51.6m).
While Estevao is aiming to move to Camp Nou, it has already been reported that Barcelona’s monetary woes could jeopardise their chances of signing the South American protégé given the widespread interest in his services.
However, Mundo Deportivo now claims that Barcelona have been given the green light to pursue a move for Estevao despite their economic woes, as the 16-year-old only has eyes for a transfer to the La Liga champions.
Estevao has been nicknamed ‘Messinho’ – an ode to his idol Lionel Messi – and his agent and family circle are also convinced that Barcelona is the most productive position to expand in the coming years.
First-team coach Xavi and sporting director Deco are also of the opinion that Estevao will be a very important player for the Blaugrana in the future, but he will not be able to officially sign for the club until he turns 18 in 2025.
Palmeiras support Estevao’s preference to sign for Barcelona and, to help him make his dream come true, the Brazilian club would be willing to settle for a small percentage of the buyout clause now before receiving most of the money. next year.
The report adds that a “crazy” offer from a rival party could make Palmeiras think twice, although at the moment all signs point to Esteváo’s arrival at Barcelona.
La Blaugrana have already added one up-and-coming Brazilian forward to their ranks this month, completing a deal to sign 18-year-old Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense on a seven-and-a-half-year contract.
Roque has already made two appearances for Xavi’s side, making his debut in Thursday’s 2-1 La Liga win over Las Palmas and coming off the bench in Sunday’s 3-2 Copa del Rey win over Barbastro.
Barcelona are now preparing to travel to Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Spanish Super Cup, where they will face Osasuna on Thursday ahead of a potential final against Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid on January 14.