Why Barcelona opted against moving for Chelsea-bound ‘Messinho’ | OneFootball

An insight into the decision on the part of the powers that be at La Liga giants Barcelona not to sanction a move for Brazilian sensation Estêvão Willian has today been provided.

The name of attacker Estêvão, nicknamed ‘Messinho’ in his home country of Brazil, has of course dominated the headlines across Europe over the course of recent days.

This comes owing to widespread confirmation that Premier League giants Chelsea are close to striking a deal for the 17-year-old.

The Blues have reached the point of advanced talks over a contract with Estêvão and his entourage, in turn expected to green light a deal with Palmeiras worth a sum with the potential to rise to €65 million.

Whilst those of a Chelsea persuasion will no doubt be enthralled with one of world football’s most gifted young talents making his way to Stamford Bridge, however, their Barcelona counterparts will be left disappointed.

Barca were hotly tipped to bring in Estêvão in the near future, amid widespread confirmation that the Camp Nou represented the ‘dream’ landing spot of the player himself.

In the end, however, the Blaugrana brass opted against any kind of move.

And, on Friday, an insight into why has been forthcoming.

The info comes courtesy of Diario Sport, who first point towards the obvious – the lack of funds at the disposal of the Catalans at present.

Also playing a central role, though, is the fact that Estêvão occupies the same position on the pitch as Lamine Yamal.

With the approval of the board and president Joan Laporta, Barcelona sporting director Deco therefore came to the final decision not to position the club in the bidding for the Palmeiras prodigy.

Conor Laird | GSFN