Frank Leboeuf has urged Xabi Alonso to sell Estevao Willian if the Chelsea head coach does not plan to use the teenage winger, following reports linking the Brazilian with a move to Barcelona.
Estevao joined Chelsea from Palmeiras in 2025 and scored eight goals in 36 appearances last season under former bosses Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior. The 19-year-old was tipped for Brazil's World Cup squad before suffering an injury at the end of the campaign.
Lack of game time under Alonso
Estevao is yet to start a Premier League game for Chelsea this season under Alonso. Reports in Spain claim Barcelona have expressed interest in signing him, having admired the player since his emergence in Brazil.
Leboeuf, a former Chelsea defender, said it would be a 'shame' if Estevao left but believes a departure may suit all parties.
Leboeuf's verdict
'I think Estevao might have to leave Chelsea and it's a shame because he is a pure talent,' Leboeuf told My Gamble. 'But Xabi Alonso proved at Leverkusen that his system works by going undefeated and winning the Bundesliga. Why change it?'
'He joined Chelsea when Estevao was already there, but he didn't specifically choose him. Estevao might be sacrificed. It might be time to sell him.'
'If you're not going to use him, sell him, because he deserves to play and could be well-utilized by other teams. He has great talent. If Xabi Alonso doesn't need him, why keep him instead of letting him move elsewhere?'
Current situation
Estevao came on as a late substitute in Chelsea's 3-0 defeat to Brentford before the international break. He started for Brazil in their friendly against Australia on Friday night and could feature again when Carlo Ancelotti's side face the same opponents this week.
Chelsea sit 10th in the Premier League after five games, despite winning their first three fixtures. They return to action after the international break with a home game against Bournemouth.
