Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly set to take Manchester United’s transfer policy in a new direction by targeting a teenage starlet who is also admired by the likes of Chelsea and Bayern Munich. The Red Devils have typically spent huge transfer fees on established players over the years, with many of their high-profile signings having failed to work out as they would have hoped.
The likes of Angel Di Maria, Alexis Sanchez and Jadon Sancho are just some of the big-name players who have failed to impress at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club a decade ago. It seems Ratcliffe is willing to switch things up by targeting young and unproven signings, with the INEOS chief set to take control of United’s football operations upon his arrival in the boardroom.
Palmeiras winger Estevao Willian has already been identified as a player of interest at just 16 years of age, according to TEAMtalk. The Brazilian sensation, nicknamed ‘Messinho’ due to his playing style, was reportedly watched by United scouts at the under-17 World Cup and is said to have left a lasting impression.
United will not be the only club in the race for his signature, though, with Chelsea and Bayern among the sides thought to be keeping a close eye on his development. Manchester City have also been credited with a desire to land Estevao, who has a release clause of around £47million after signing a new deal at Palmeiras earlier this year.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are said to have already reached out to Estevao’s agent to explore the possibility of bringing him to the Nou Camp. The teenage forward would reportedly be keen on the move given that Barcelona are his ‘dream’ club, which could leave United fighting an uphill battle if the Catalan giants decide to firm up their interest.
Ratcliffe will be hoping to steal a march on United’s rivals by winning the battle to land Estevao, but only time will tell if the Red Devils can pull off the move. The report adds that Palmeiras are unlikely to demand the full value of his release clause in order to do a deal, which could see a bidding war take shape over the coming months.
Estevao’s preferred role is on the right flank, where he tends to cut in and create shooting opportunities on his favoured left foot. However, he is mature enough to pick out a team-mate when he needs to and is also a threat from dead-ball situations, especially when taking free-kicks on the edge of the box.
The winger is yet to make a senior appearance for Palmeiras but has played a key role at youth level, helping the club’s under-20 side to remain unbeaten in the league this season. Estevao has also impressed on the international stage with Brazil, scoring three goals and notching three assists at the under-17 World Cup before they were knocked out in the quarter-finals.
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