Chelsea are not looking to part ways with Estevao in the January transfer window, despite concerns over the Brazilian's playing time. According to the Spanish publication AS, the club is negotiating an improved contract for the 19-year-old winger and hopes to make him a key player for years to come.
Chelsea are banking on Estevao
The London club agreed to sign Estevao from Palmeiras back in June 2024, and the player joined the team in the summer of 2025.
In his debut season, the Brazilian scored eight goals and provided four assists in 36 matches. However, in April, he suffered a hamstring injury that ruled him out for the end of the season and the World Cup. Estevao returned to training only in July.
In May, Chelsea appointed Xabi Alonso as manager, under whom the young winger has seen limited playing time. Prior to facing Manchester United, Estevao had played just 259 minutes in nine matches across all competitions this season, including 125 minutes in the EFL Cup.
The match against Manchester United could change the situation
In the victorious match against Manchester United (2-0), Estevao made his first start of the season in the Premier League and played for 87 minutes.
The Brazilian had three of the team's six shots on target. His expected goals (xG) was 0.54, with an expected assists (xA) of 0.22.
After this match, Estevao's total playing time in the Premier League reached 134 minutes.
New contract instead of a January transfer
The lack of playing time previously led to speculation about a possible departure in January. Questions regarding his situation have repeatedly arisen at Alonso's press conferences.
However, according to AS, a winter transfer is currently off the club's agenda. Moreover, Chelsea are already discussing an improved contract with Estevao's representatives, which is currently valid until 2033.
The London club wants the Brazilian to become one of the team's key figures. This aligns with the ambitions of the player himself, which he mentioned back in June:
I think it's very important for a footballer to have goals. I have my own goals and ambitions. There are team goals related to Chelsea, the club I am currently playing for, and personal goals.
Thus, despite limited playing time under Alonso, Chelsea view Estevao as an important part of their long-term project, not as a candidate for sale.
