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Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 16:51 · Archive

Estevao Willian has been advised to leave Chelsea in January as he struggles for playing time under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Estevao Willian has been warned that he may not have a future at Chelsea under new manager Xabi Alonso, with suggestions he should seek a fresh start in the January transfer window.

The 19-year-old winger joined Chelsea from Brazilian club Palmeiras in 2025 after the club saw off competition from several top European sides. Last season he showed promise, scoring eight goals in 36 appearances, though his starts were managed carefully by former managers Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.

However, Alonso's arrival has not improved Estevao's situation. He has yet to start a Premier League match this season in the manager's 3-4-2-1 system, instead competing for playing time with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers in attacking positions.

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin believes the lack of game time could benefit from a move elsewhere. 'I love Estevao to bits, I think he's absolutely fantastic, and he's going to be a great, great player, but not at Chelsea,' Nevin told CasinoHawks. He added that Chelsea is 'not the right type' of club for the teenager, as the club cannot 'slowly but surely build a player' and tends to move quickly to the next option if a player struggles initially.

Nevin's comments suggest frustration may be setting in for Estevao less than 18 months after his arrival in west London. The speculation about a potential January exit reflects concerns that his development may be better served elsewhere in the Premier League or Europe.

How it is being reported

• Chelsea are the Premier League’s most fun team but is it sustainable?Xabi Alonso’s side are scoring and conceding at a remarkable rate. It’s great for neutrals but not necessarily the best way to qualify for Europe By WhoScored Watching Chelsea this season ought to come with a health warning. Goals arrive in abundance, leads are established before spectators have settled into their seats and clean sheets have become an alien concept. Xabi Alonso has transformed Chelsea into one of the Premier League’s most thrilling spectacles. They have scored 15 goals and conceded 13. That’s 4.7 goals per game in six matches. Chelsea are a neutral’s dream, but is it…Guardian Football · 15 Oct, 16:30
• Chelsea XI vs Everton: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latestXabi Alonso has one major question mark as Blues head to MerseysideEvening Standard · 15 Oct, 08:00
• ‘Never a good fit’ – Chelsea star urged to consider January transfer window exitChelsea boss Xabi Alonso (Picture: Shutterstock) Chelsea winger Estevao Willian has been warned he is not a ‘good fit’ for Xabi Alonso ’s side and should look to leave the club in the January transfer window. Chelsea saw off competition from a host of top European clubs to sign the teenage…Metro · 13 Oct, 17:33

In this story: Estevao Willian · Xabi Alonso · Chelsea · Pat Nevin · Palmeiras · Cole Palmer · Morgan Rogers

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