Estevao Willian, better known as “Messinho,” is 16 years old, and Chelsea and Palmeiras are still in the midst of transfer talks.

Potential suitors, like Barcelona, are unlikely to meet the winger’s £51.5 million release clause.

The South American sensation was once known as “Messinho” due to his striking physical resemblance to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. In 2018, at the tender age of 10, he made history as the youngest Brazilian player to be sponsored by Nike.

In December, Estevao became Palmeiras’ fourth-youngest player when he made his senior debut.

The Brazil youth international may only be a youngster, but he has already attracted a lot of attention from European clubs.

Once FIFA transfer restrictions allow him to leave South America in the summer of 2025, Estevao is reportedly keen to join Barcelona, according to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo.

Reportedly, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has been a great fan of Estevao’s youthful skill and has been keeping a close eye on the young player’s development over the past year.

Reports indicate that PSG, Manchester United, and Chelsea are also interested in signing the young starlet, and Estevao has described Barcelona as his “dream move” in an effort to emulate Messi’s success in Catalonia.

At the age of sixteen, he was chosen to represent Brazil at the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia last year.

Estevao started in every one of Brazil’s five matches, including their 2-1 group stage triumph over England, whose roster included Arsenal youth product Ethan Nwaneri.