Mohamed Salah’s departure from Liverpool in August 2026 has left the club without a natural, established senior right-winger. While manager Andoni Iraola has been playing Cody Gakpo and Victor Muñoz on the right wing, it’s clear the Merseyside club needs a natural right winger.
Although Iraola will have many options in the January transfer window, it seems the manager has a fair idea of who he wants to see on the right wing. According to a report, Liverpool are interested in Chelsea winger Estevao Willian. According to journalist James Westland, Liverpool are admiring Estevao, and he is high on their list. The report read:
“Estevao is a player Liverpool are very much admiring. The club is keeping an eye on him, and the Brazilian is high on their list.”
It is believed that Liverpool were highly interested in the Brazilian winger during the Summer transfer window, but Chelsea Football Club considered the player untouchable. However, since Estevao has not played enough under Xabi Alonso, the 19-year-old could be open to leaving Stamford Bridge. Despite getting a rare start in the 2-0 win over Man United yesterday, in his previous six Premier League games this season, Estevao had only played for 40 minutes.
Estevao has started only two EFL Cup matches, a competition Chelsea no longer plays after Liverpool defeated them 6-5 on penalties in the competition’s fourth round. Since Estevao has failed to receive the game time he would have preferred at Chelsea, Liverpool could be a tempting option, as his preferred right winger spot has been open since Salah’s departure.
Also, Estevao Willian could be a great signing for Liverpool because of the skills he possesses at a very young age. For starters, Estevao is known for his exceptional dribbling and close control. The Brazilian excels in one-on-one situations, using rapid acceleration, low center of gravity, and tight ball control to bypass defenders. His dribbling skills, which came to light during his time with Brazilian club Cruzeiro, also earned him the nickname “Messinho.”
Apart from his dribbling ability, Estevao will also offer Andoni Iraola a lot of versatility. While Estevao is known to play on the right wing, he is also comfortable operating in the center as a No. 10. He has played as a No. 10 for Chelsea on several occasions, displaying great playmaking ability. Having a versatile attacker like that could be highly beneficial for Liverpool if they aim to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League.
By securing Estevao’s signature in the January transfer window, Liverpool will also be securing its long-term future on the wings. With 18-year-old Rio Ngumoha ready to burst onto the scene as a left winger, adding a 19-year-old right winger means that Liverpool could terrorize the defenses of Premier League and Champions League clubs for years to come. However, it remains to be seen whether Andoni Iraola prefers to sign Estevao or someone who has already established himself in senior football.