Transfer
Xabi Alonso rules out January loan move for Estêvão and backs teenager to come good
The Chelsea manager said there have been 'no discussions' about sending the Brazilian winger away and described his limited minutes as part of an adaptation process.
FootVal Newsroom
Xabi Alonso has dismissed the idea of a January loan move for Estêvão, insisting the 19-year-old winger will have a role to play at Chelsea this season despite starting only twice in 11 games.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea's Premier League fixture against Manchester United, Alonso said the lack of minutes had nothing to do with attitude. 'It's in the adaptation to the competition, the process to learn things with the ball, against the ball, how to be more competitive,' the manager said, adding: 'I'm part of the process to help him.'
Speculation about Estêvão's future intensified after the Brazilian was an unused substitute in Chelsea's Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool on penalties. Alonso acknowledged it was still early in the process but was optimistic: 'Time will show. We think we will get there. Everyone will have their role and moment in the season.'
Estêvão joined Chelsea from Palmeiras and carries a market value of €80m according to Transfermarkt, matching FootVal's own valuation. He is contracted at Stamford Bridge until June 2033, and has managed six appearances in the current campaign without a goal or assist.
Sources
This article is based on reports by:
- The Guardian — Xabi Alonso rules out January loan move for Chelsea winger Estêvão Willian
- Sky Sports — 'It's a process' - Alonso explains Estevao's lack of minutes
- ESPN — Chelsea boss Alonso: 'No discussion' over Estêvão loan move
- ge — Xabi Alonso nega conversas por saída de Estêvão do Chelsea: "Ele será importante"
- Evening Standard — Xabi Alonso makes Estevao prediction to excite Chelsea fans after addressing January transfer
- Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) — 🚨🇧🇷 Xabi Alonso on Estevão: “It's in the adaptation to the competition, the process to learn things with the ball, against the ball, how to be more competitive”.
Written by the FootVal newsroom from the reports below, with figures from FootVal’s own database. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. · How we report