Barcelona joined by Real Madrid in pursuit of Brazilian wonderkid with €60 million release clause | OneFootball

It is no secret that Barcelona are great admirers of Palmeiras wonderkid Estevao Willian, fondly known as ‘Messinho’, owing to the similarities in his style of play to Lionel Messi.

Just 16 years old, the young attacking midfielder has been making waves in Brazil for his performances with Palmeiras’ youth teams.

It has even led to him breaking into the Brazilian outfit’s Under-20 side, for whom he has two goals and an assist in 14 games.

Real Madrid join Barcelona in Estevao race

Barcelona director Deco has taken a keen interest in Estevao, but now, arch-rivals Real Madrid have also entered the race for the teenage wonderkid, reports journalist Jorge C Picon.

“He is the closest thing I have seen to Messi. Because of the way he handles the ball, always close to his left foot,” sources from within Palmeiras say.

So, naturally, there is bound to be serious interest in Estevao, who signed his first professional contract with Palmeiras when he turned 16 last April. His contract runs until the summer of 2026 and comes with a €60 million release clause.

It must be remembered that Estevao has already admitted that he dreams of playing for Barcelona like his idol Messi.

But, Real Madrid are also now monitoring the 16-year-old prodigy and a similar move to that they made for Endrick cannot be ruled out in the future.

PSG are also interested in Messinho and have already previously had an offer rejected for him.

Courting serious interest. (Photo courtesy: Palmeiras official website)

Estevao excelling at the U-17 World Cup

Estevao has been setting the stage on fire with his performances for Brazil’s Under-17 side at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia.

In four games in the ongoing tournament, the wonderkid has scored three goals and set up three more, firing his team to the quarter-finals.

If his stock keeps rising in the manner it is now, more and more suitors could emerge for Estevao.

But what works in Barça’s favour is that Estevao dreams of playing for them and the club have a good relationship with his agent, Andre Cury.