€111m Chelsea Star Told to Leave in January Just Months After New Boss Xabi Alonso’s Arrival

According to a report by Football London on October 21, 2026, Chelsea winger Estêvão Willian has been urged to consider leaving Stamford Bridge after struggling for regular playing time under new head coach Xabi Alonso. The Brazilian teenager, whose estimated market value is around €111 million, has found opportunities limited since Alonso took charge in the summer.

The 19-year-old joined Chelsea from Palmeiras in 2025 and impressed during his first season at the club. He made 43 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing four assists. However, his situation has changed under Alonso, with the forward yet to start a Premier League match this season.

Estêvão has played only 154 minutes across the Premier League and Carabao Cup, raising questions about whether Chelsea are providing enough opportunities for one of their most highly rated young players.

Alonso’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation has contributed to the situation. Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer have generally occupied the two attacking midfield positions, while Pedro Neto has frequently been deployed as an advanced right-wing-back. As a result, Estêvão has struggled to secure a regular place in the starting XI.

Former Chelsea winger Scott Sinclair believes the teenager may need to leave temporarily to gain the experience required to continue developing. Speaking to Andy’s Bet Club, Sinclair drew on his own experience of spending time away from Chelsea on loan.

“As a young player, all you want to do is play football,” Sinclair said. He explained that players who struggle for opportunities at their parent clubs sometimes need to move elsewhere to gain match fitness and regular minutes.

Sinclair added that a lack of playing time can gradually undermine a player’s confidence and make it more difficult to take advantage of opportunities when they eventually arrive.

He acknowledged that the final decision rests with Estêvão but made his recommendation clear, saying: “Only Estevao can decide what is best for him, but because he is so young, getting consistent game time is essential and having been in the same position, I’d say he should go and play.”

Former Chelsea midfielder Pat Nevin has also suggested that the teenager could consider looking elsewhere if his situation does not improve. Speaking to Goal, Nevin stressed that young players need regular football to develop and build the experience required to become established stars.

Nevin cautioned against wasting Estêvão’s talent on the bench, although he stopped short of insisting that the Brazilian must leave immediately.

Chelsea must now weigh the benefits of retaining a talented young attacker against the importance of giving him consistent playing time. With the January transfer window approaching, a loan move could become a possibility if Estêvão continues to struggle for minutes.

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