Manchester United are among a number of clubs who are battling it out to sign 16-year-old Brazilian Estevao Willian, according to reports.
The 16-year-old joined Palmeiras in 2016 and has been representing their under-20 side this year, where he has managed two goals and an assist from 14 games.
In recent years, Manchester United have signed a huge pool of young attacking players from foreign countries for decent prices to try and develop in their academy teams.
The best example of these signings developing is Alejandro Garnacho from Atletico Madrid back in 2020. The winger is now a regular first-team player under Erik ten Hag, although under Brexit rules, the club would now have to wait to 18 to have signed him.
United ‘tussling’ for Estevao Willian
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that alongside Real Madrid and Barcelona, United and Chelsea are battling hard for the Brazilian wonderkid.
United have entered the race for the Brazilian who predominantly plays as a winger, like his namesake who is playing at Fulham after spells at Chelsea and Arsenal.
Paris Saint Germain have already made two bids for the winger at £34 million and £43 million but his parent club Palmeiras are holding out for closer to £50 million.
United have not explored the Brazilian market at all in recent years but Real Madrid have shown that there is world-class talent in the South American country.
Their signings of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo has shown that the Brazilian market is a good one, the Red Devils need to take more interest.
However, rules do not permit Manchester United to sign Brazilian players under 18, so the club would have to strike a pre-agreement and potentially loan him back.
Estevao Willian factflie
With a host of top clubs said to be interested, the report goes on to say the teenager’s dream is to make a switch to Barcelona.
Despite this, United have to believe they have a chance at signing the winger who, according to the report, is nicknamed ‘Messinho’.
Born in April of 2007, the Brazilian predominantly plays on the right-hand side for Palmeiras and has featured for his side’s under-20 team, as mentioned, but has also featured in the under-20 Copa Libertadores for Brazil.
In 2018, at the tender age of 10, Estevão made history by signing a professional contract with Nike, becoming their youngest Brazilian player at the time.
United are struggling for wingers with Antony failing to justify his price tag and Jadon Sancho nearly out the door.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
