Apex Scores Lite Apex Scores Lite flag
back Back
‘Shock exit’ – Xabi Alonso ready to sacrifice popular Chelsea star
© IMAGO
Make us your Google favourite

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is poised to take a controversial transfer decision that risks splitting the fanbase at Stamford Bridge.

Article continues under the video

When Alonso took charge of Chelsea in the summer, he did so on the understanding that he would have a decisive say in the club’s transfer policy. And now he is seriously considering selling one of the Blues’ most talented young players.

Estevao is being courted by numerous clubs, and the Spaniard is ready to give the green light to what The Sun describes as a “shock exit”.

The young Brazilian’s status at Chelsea was fundamentally changed when Alonso took charge of the club and implemented a new 3-4-2-1 system.

It is a formation that does not suit the strengths of the 19-year-old, and with the manager unwilling to shift his style in order to accommodate the €45 million signing, Estevao could be sacrificed as soon as January.

Chelsea could land a huge windfall for Estevao, whose Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €111m, and with other areas of their side needing to be strengthened without the prize money of Champions League football, this appears to be an increasingly attractive prospect.

© IMAGO - Willian Estevao: Chelsea talent has seen his opportunities limited under Alonso

PSG are tracking Estevao following Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s long-term knee problem, with the Brazilian outlined as the type of thrilling attacker who could thrive under Luis Enrique.

The double Champions League winners would have little trouble raising the money required to meet Chelsea’s likely demands.

Why Estevao’s situation is unlikely to get better

Estevao finds himself in a frustrating position at Chelsea, and his prospects of seeing his status improve under Alonso are limited, as the Daily Mail explains:

“It is understood Estevao's limited role under Alonso is not the result of a fall-out, and purely down to tactical and technical decisions. Chelsea’s manager has hinted that the physicality of the Premier League is a contributing factor while promising greater chances as the season progresses.

“Alonso does not see Estevao as suited to a wing-back role, which involves a great deal of tracking back, but as a winger who can come inside, as Palmer does in the 3-4-2-1 system.”

The situation is a complicated one for Chelsea’s new manager due to the popularity of the young winger.

Blues fans were singing the name of Estevao during their penalty shootout defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup in midweek, yet the teenager did not get a single minute in that game.

With only the Premier League to concentrate on in the meantime, opportunities for Estevao are likely to be limited, and this is only likely to see rumours surrounding his future increase ahead of the January transfer window.

You may like

Chelsea fans still have one major concern despite win vs Man United, it’s costing them points

thechelseachronicle.com 1 hour ago

Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE - score, Kai Havertz goal, commentary stream

Liverpool Echo 3 hours ago

Erling Haaland's feelings clear towards Man City's 114 charges as star's dad breaks silence

The Daily Star 1 hour ago

Chelsea star produces staggering display vs Man Utd as stats reveal huge gap to next-best player

thechelseachronicle.com 1 day ago

Gary Neville's comments about Trey Nyoni on first Premier League start for Liverpool are dividing...

sportbible.com 52 minutes ago

€117m superstar makes Man Utd transfer admission

footballtransfers.com 4 hours ago

Every Premier League club's Football Manager 27 budget as Man United given shock amount to spend

sportbible.com 3 hours ago

Newcastle enter race for £67,000-a-week star who Aston Villa are top contenders to sign

footballfancast.com 5 hours ago

Boy, 14, turns himself in to the police after vile Bradley Lowery taunt in Sunderland game

Mirror 46 minutes ago

Man Utd confirm Michael Carrick sacking decision

footballtransfers.com 6 hours ago