Estevao’s future at Chelsea has come under scrutiny after reports claimed the Brazilian winger is worried about his limited opportunities under manager Xabi Alonso, with Liverpool potentially considering a move in January.
The 19-year-old has struggled to establish himself in Alonso’s plans at the beginning of the season and was an unused substitute in Chelsea’s 4-3 Premier League victory against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
He has made cameo appearances against Luton Town and Fulham in Chelsea’s opening fixtures, but Alonso has so far been unable to give him an extended run in the side. Pedro Neto, Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Valentin Barco have all been selected ahead of him.
ESPN Brasil reports that Estevao has told people close to him that he fears he will not receive significant playing time under Alonso this season while he continues to be used primarily as a substitute.
The situation has reportedly revived Liverpool’s interest in the forward. The Reds were said to have contacted Chelsea during the summer, when they were expected to lose Cody Gakpo to Manchester City.
Liverpool were reportedly "weighing up" whether to make an offer on deadline day in an attempt to test Chelsea’s firm stance over Estevao, although no transfer materialised.
However, reports of the winger’s frustration could encourage Liverpool to return with a bid in January. The club may view Estevao as a possible replacement for Gakpo, whose future remains uncertain.
Estevao joined Chelsea in a deal worth £52m and has scored eight goals in 38 appearances for the club. Despite his current lack of regular starts, he is competing for places with a group of high-level attacking players at Stamford Bridge.
At another leading club, his performances could potentially have led to consideration of a loan move, but Chelsea’s depth in attacking positions has restricted his involvement so far.
His progress was also disrupted at the end of last season when he suffered a severe hamstring injury. The problem ruled him out of the final stages of the campaign, including the World Cup.
Chelsea’s position was described as firm during the summer, preventing Liverpool from completing a deal despite their reported interest. Any January approach would therefore depend on whether the London club’s stance changes and whether Estevao’s concerns over his role become more pronounced.
For now, Estevao remains a Chelsea player, but his lack of opportunities under Alonso has created uncertainty around his longer-term prospects. Liverpool’s interest, initially linked to Gakpo’s anticipated departure, could become more concrete if the Brazilian continues to find himself behind several established attacking options.