Estevao’s future at Chelsea has come under scrutiny after reports claimed the Brazilian winger is worried about his limited opportunities under manager Alonso, with Liverpool potentially considering a January approach.
Liverpool were reported to have made contact with Chelsea during the summer as they prepared for the possible departure of Cody Gakpo to Manchester City. The Reds were understood to be exploring a move for Estevao, but no transfer materialised before the deadline.
The 19-year-old forward has struggled to establish himself in Chelsea’s team at the start of the season. He was an unused substitute in Sunday’s 4-3 Premier League victory over Brighton and Hove Albion, having made brief appearances against Luton Town and Fulham in Chelsea’s opening matches.
Alonso has so far been unable to offer Estevao an extended run in the side. Pedro Neto, Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Valentin Barco have all been selected ahead of him at different points, leaving the teenager largely restricted to a place on the bench.
According to ESPN Brasil, Estevao has told people close to him that he is concerned he will not receive significant playing time under Alonso this season. The report says the player remains unsettled as he continues to be left among the substitutes.
Estevao joined Chelsea in a £52M deal and has scored eight goals in 38 appearances for the club. However, he is competing for a place in an attacking group that includes several high-profile players, making regular first-team football difficult to secure.
A loan move could be considered at another top club, given Estevao’s age and the competition for places at Chelsea. The Brazilian also missed the end of last season, including the World Cup, after suffering a serious hamstring injury late in the campaign.
Liverpool were reportedly “weighing up” whether to make an offer on deadline day in an attempt to test Chelsea’s firm stance over the player. No bid was ultimately confirmed and Estevao remained at Stamford Bridge.
However, the latest reports regarding his concerns over playing time could revive Liverpool’s interest when the transfer window reopens in January. The Reds may view the winger as a possible replacement for Gakpo, whose long-term future remains uncertain.
Chelsea’s position on Estevao is understood to have been firm during the summer, but the player’s lack of involvement could influence the situation in the coming months. Any potential January move would depend on whether his role under Alonso changes and whether Liverpool decide to pursue the interest they showed previously.
