Estevao ‘Messinho’ Willian. (Twitter)
The Catalan giants may face some competition in their pursuit of the rising Palmeiras star, Estevao Willian, as reports suggest Real Madrid have been in touch with the Brazilian club to discuss the 16-year-old’s future.
Brazilian wonder kid Estevao Willian, popularly known as Messinho, has been on the radar of Barcelona for quite some time and it is now being learnt that the Catalan giants may face some competition in their pursuit of the rising Palmeiras star. As per a Barca Blaugranes article, Real Madrid have reportedly joined their Spanish rivals in the race to sign Messinho. As per the article, Mundo Deportivo has reported that Real Madrid have been in touch with Palmeiras to discuss the 16-year-old’s future.
Messinho is currently taking part in the Under-17 World Cup where he has already impressed many while representing Brazil.
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Barca Blaugranes had previously claimed that Messinho had talked about his potential move to Barcelona during an interaction with Mundo Deportivo.
“To play for Barcelona, which is one of the best clubs in the world. I was born watching Neymar, Messi and Suarez play at Barcelona and that is the dream I have. I watch almost all Barça games, I am a fan of the club. I have great admiration for the players who play there and I hope to be there too,” Messinho was quoted as saying by Barca Blaugranes.
Messinho also spoke about the comparisons being made between him and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi. “Yes, it was always him, he is a player I am inspired by, I watch videos of him daily. He is a teacher. I do not have words to describe it. Everything he does is phenomenal. How to explain in words that everything he does is phenomenal, I always try to reproduce what he does on the pitch,” the teenager added.
A Forbes report had earlier claimed that Messinho’s skilful gameplay impressed some of the European giants, with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) already having a bid, worth €50 million, for the Brazilian rejected recently. The report went on to suggest that Barcelona and their sporting director Deco have been Messinho’s longstanding admirers.
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