Estevao 'enjoying his time' at Chelsea as Barcelona transfer links resurface after Champions League wondergoal | OneFootball

Barcelona’s financial situation meant they missed out to Chelsea on a deal for the Brazilian

Estevao scored a sumptuous solo goal as Chelsea romped to a 3-0 win over 10 men Barca at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

The 18-year-old’s performance overshadowed that of fellow teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal and led to reports resurfacing about Barca’s long-standing interest in Estevao.

Estevao’s agent, Andre Cury, has admitted that Barcelona held an interest in the youngster long before Chelsea secured his signature in 2024, but could not complete a deal due to their financial situation.

“In 2018 I started writing reports on Estevao. In 2019, I took Abidal to Brazil to watch him. At 11 years old he was already different and wanted to be a Ballon d’Or winner,” Cury said in a wide-ranging interview with Spanish outlet Cadena Ser.

“After my departure we talked about Estevao in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. We went to the offices to offer the player because we believed he would have a great future in world football.

“Barcelona are not well economically, and sometimes you cannot complete a deal. It is sad, but it is sad.

Estevao was first offered to Barcelona in 2021, but after the Catalan club decided to push ahead with a deal for fellow Brazilian Vitor Roque in 2023, there was no space in the budget to pursue a deal for Estevao.

“The technical staff always approved Estevao’s signing, and we met Deco more than once. But Deco is tied because the club’s economy does not allow a future operation,” Cury continued.

“With Vitor Roque, the club rushed into a mistake. A player cannot be signed and then, after four months, not be useful. With Vitor there was no atmosphere to sign Estevao.

Despite Barcelona’s interest in Estevao, Cury was clear that his client was happy at Chelsea, where he has made an instant impact - becoming just the third teenager to score in his first three Champions League starts.

“Estevao has five years of contract and is enjoying his time at Chelsea. But he has a special affection for Barcelona.”