Last year, Chelsea Football Club signed Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian. But for manager Xabi Alonso, this left-footed right winger couldn’t even make a single league start.
On Wednesday, after a defeat in the penalty shootout, Chelsea was knocked out of the Carabao Cup. Alonso kept Estevao on the bench for the full 90 minutes and, during the shootout, instead put his trust in Emmanuel Emegha in search of the winning goal.
Willian’s lack of game time in London immediately caught the attention of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), since their star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia suffered a season-ending ACL injury, while Ousmane Dembele is also dealing with physical issues. So naturally, PSG added Estevao to their shortlist of prospective wide attackers alongside Nico Williams and Ibrahim Maza.
Chelsea showed openness in January to a six-month loan move for Willian. But to protect their asset, Chelsea has set a few conditions before approving any transfer.
For PSG or any other club interested in taking Willian on loan during the winter window, Chelsea has three conditions:
First, the agreement should be a six-month loan without any permanent purchase clause or obligation, so Chelsea can retain full long-term ownership. If conditions are met, an additional year extension could be possible from next summer.
Second, the acquiring club must cover 100 percent of Willian’s full annual salary (£6.3m / €7.4m).
And finally, Chelsea demands a guarantee of regular playing time, including financial penalty clauses if minute thresholds in Ligue 1 are missed, so that his development continues and he doesn’t just sit on the bench.
PSG can manage his £6.3m annual salary, but playing-time guarantee negotiations could be a stumbling block. That said, PSG already has wide attacking options like Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Maghnes Akliouche, Mika Godts, and Ferran Torres.
According to reports, Barcelona has also been keeping an eye on Willian’s situation.
Will PSG compromise on Chelsea’s playing-time demands before January, or will this Brazilian wonderkid fight for his place while staying in West London? It’s hard to say.
Alonso said about Willian that every player wants to play, and he’s confident Willian will get his chance too.
For Chelsea, the forward will be back in action on Friday, when they host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.
