The transfer that never happened: Estevao and Barça

Estevao Willian’s dazzling performance against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge did more than deliver a stunning goal — it reopened a story many culés didn’t know. According to his representative, André Cury, the Brazilian wonderkid “has a special affection for Barça” and was offered to the Catalan club several times before signing for Chelsea.

Cury explained that every time Estevao’s name landed on the table, Barça’s technical staff approved the signing. Meetings with Deco, scouting reports, and internal consensus painted him as a generational talent. But the obstacle never changed: the club’s financial crisis.
“The situation didn’t allow Barça to make a long-term investment,” Cury lamented.

Now with a five-year contract in London, Estevao is thriving in the Premier League and Champions League — but maintains that emotional connection with the club he once dreamed of representing.

A dream duo that never was: Lamine & Estevao

Another revelation from Cury was his belief that Lamine Yamal and Estevao could have become one of the most electrifying duos in world football. He even referenced a legendary pairing: Messi and Neymar.
“Think of that duo. It’s better to have both together than just one. With Estevao and Lamine, it would’ve been the same,” he insisted.

Cury detailed Barça’s long-running interest, explaining that he began filing scouting reports on Estevao back in 2018. In 2019, he even flew Eric Abidal to Brazil to watch the young forward in person. “At 11 years old you could already tell: he was different. He wanted to win the Ballon d’Or,” he recalled.

Even after leaving Barça, Cury continued offering the player in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 — but no deal ever materialized.

A story Barcelona may regret

With Estevao shining in Europe and the club navigating a delicate moment, the idea of a frontline featuring Lamine and Estevao already feels like one of those great “what ifs” in modern Barça history.

A signing blocked by financial reality now looks like a missed opportunity. The Brazilian is rising fast in London, proving exactly why so many within the club wanted him.

Barça couldn’t make it happen — but the “special affection” was always there.