Crystal Palace are setting their sights on Brazilian wonderkid Estevão Willian as part of a major recruitment drive under incoming manager Oliver Glasner. The 17-year-old Palmeiras winger, nicknamed 'Messinho', has emerged as one of South America's most exciting prospects.
Palace's Brazilian Gamble
The Eagles are preparing a bold move for the teenage sensation, who has a €60 million (£51.5m) release clause in his contract. Estevão has already made his professional debut for Palmeiras and impressed at youth level for Brazil, drawing comparisons to Lionel Messi for his dribbling ability and low centre of gravity.
Glasner's Revolution Begins
New boss Glasner, who replaced Roy Hodgson in February, is reportedly being backed with significant transfer funds as Palace look to build a more dynamic, attack-minded squad. The Austrian manager is said to be particularly keen on adding creative wide players to his new-look side.
While Chelsea have been heavily linked with Estevão, Palace's interest demonstrates their ambition to compete for elite young talent. The South London club have built a strong reputation for developing promising players in recent years.
Financial Considerations
Any deal would likely require Palace to break their transfer record, currently the £26m paid for Christian Benteke in 2016. However, the club's improved financial position following the sales of Wilfried Zaha and Aaron Wan-Bissaka in recent years gives them more flexibility in the market.
Estevão cannot move to Europe until he turns 18 in April 2025, meaning any transfer would likely see him remain with Palmeiras on loan initially. This could suit Palace's preference for staggered payments on big-money signings.
The potential arrival of the Brazilian teenager would mark an exciting new chapter for Crystal Palace as they look to establish themselves as more than just Premier League survival specialists under Glasner's leadership.
