Liverpool’s interest in Estêvão appears to be one that isn’t going away.
According to Liverpool reporter James Wathland, the Reds admire the Brazilian winger greatly and are following him closely, with the 19-year-old remaining high on their list.
That is certainly an interesting development given that Estêvão only joined Chelsea from Palmeiras this summer.
Liverpool clearly see something in Estêvão
Estêvão was one of the most highly-rated young players in Brazilian football before making the move to Europe.
Chelsea won the race for his signature, but Liverpool’s interest reportedly hasn’t disappeared.
And considering the changes to Liverpool’s attacking options this summer, it’s not difficult to understand why the club would continue monitoring him.
Mohamed Salah has left Anfield, while Liverpool are still trying to establish the long-term shape of their attack under Andoni Iraola.
Bradley Barcola arrived from Paris Saint-Germain for a huge fee, while Víctor Muñoz was also brought in as another attacking option.
Yet Liverpool are clearly still looking at the market for potential solutions on the right side.
The Guardian also identified the right wing as an area where Liverpool’s squad depth remained a concern following the summer transfer window.
Could Liverpool make a move?
That’s the big question.
At this stage, there is no suggestion that a transfer is imminent.
Estêvão is contracted to Chelsea and only recently arrived at Stamford Bridge, so any potential deal would likely be extremely complicated.
However, reports have emerged this month claiming Liverpool have already made contact with the player’s representatives, with his situation at Chelsea being closely monitored.
Chelsea have reportedly been reluctant to entertain the idea of selling him, while other reports have suggested Estêvão could become frustrated if his opportunities remain limited.
That could potentially make his situation one to watch.
Liverpool aren’t giving up on their interest
For Liverpool, the most interesting part of Wathland’s report is the wording.
Estêvão isn’t simply someone Liverpool have looked at. He’s reportedly a player the club admire greatly and one who remains high on their list.
That suggests the Reds’ recruitment team have identified qualities they really like.
Whether that eventually leads to an offer is another matter.
Liverpool will have to assess how Barcola develops, how Estêvão’s Chelsea career progresses and whether the Brazilian becomes available at some point in the future.
But this could be one of those transfer stories that develops over a much longer period.
Another name to keep an eye on
Liverpool supporters shouldn’t get carried away with this one just yet.
Estêvão is a Chelsea player and there is currently no guarantee Liverpool will ever make a formal move for him.
But if Wathland’s information is accurate, Liverpool are continuing to watch him closely.
And given the importance of finding the right long-term options in attack following Salah’s departure, it makes sense for Liverpool to keep monitoring elite young talent.
Estêvão is certainly a player worth keeping an eye on.
Liverpool clearly like him.
Now we’ll have to wait and see whether admiration eventually turns into something more concrete.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
Leave a Reply