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While Xabi Alonso insists Brazilian sensation Estêvão is firmly in his plans, the Spaniard's actions have told a rather different story so far.
The ex-Palmeiras winger began the season having bounced back from a serious hamstring problem, which had cruelly ruled him out of the World Cup.
Yet there's little indication that Estêvão's fitness concerns are weighing on Alonso's thinking. Consistent deployment of a back three and wingbacks has left the teenager starved of minutes due to limited space for wide attackers, with the youngster even finding himself on the bench when Chelsea were knocked out of the Carabao Cup on penalties by Liverpool last month.
When Alonso shifted to a 4-2-3-1 for the recent victory over Manchester United, Estêvão started on the right wing and impressed. However, he was immediately returned to the bench following another tactical switch that saw Chelsea struggle against Sunderland before the international break.
Estêvão was identified by BBC Sport back in September as one of a select group of 'untouchable' Chelsea players—those unavailable for transfer under any circumstances—alongside Moisés Caicedo, Cole Palmer and João Pedro. But there will inevitably come a moment when a player of such extraordinary ability, once pursued by so many clubs, begins to wonder whether opportunities might be better elsewhere.
Should that scenario unfold, here are five clubs the Brazilian could potentially land at.
5. Paris Saint-Germain
Estêvão is considered an exceptional talent who would attract the interest of Europe's biggest clubs were he to push for an exit from Alonso's project at Stamford Bridge.
Back-to-back European champions Paris Saint-Germain underwent a significant attacking overhaul in the summer, with Lee Kang-in, Bradley Barcola and Gonçalo Ramos departing to make room for Maghnes Akliouche, Ferran Torres and Mika Godts.
Luis Enrique has an abundance of options, frequently reserving the likes of Désiré Doué, Ousmané Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for the biggest matches. However, PSG have just lost the gifted Georgian for the remainder of the season due to an ACL injury, raising the question of whether they might mount an aggressive winter push for a replacement to give themselves the best possible shot at defending their Champions League title.
Estêvão would certainly be an intriguing option, but PSG are more likely at this point to place their faith in Godts and Akliouche rather than re-enter the market. They will also be hoping to have Kvaratskhelia back to full fitness for the start of 2027–28.
4. Liverpool
Andoni Iraola has managed to find several answers at right wing since Mohamed Salah departed in the summer. Liverpool opted against signing a direct replacement, but Bradley Barcola, Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha have each stepped into the role at various stages of the campaign.
Even so, there's a real possibility this Liverpool side still challenges for the title this season, and some would argue that the right-wing position requires a more reliable long-term solution. Estêvão's recent struggles introduce an element of uncertainty, but there's no questioning the calibre of talent Iraola would have at his disposal if Liverpool were to pull off such a signing.
It would be unusual for Chelsea to approve a deal with a direct Premier League rival, but English football is where the financial power lies, and Liverpool represents the most logical destination for the young Brazilian.
3. Borussia Dortmund
Very few clubs could realistically afford Estêvão, and Borussia Dortmund are not among them. Nevertheless, the Bundesliga outfit earns a mention here in the event that things deteriorate and Chelsea sanction a loan move in January.
Where better to send Estêvão than Dortmund? Granted, the club isn't quite the force it was at the turn of the decade, and they no longer play the high-octane football that characterised Jürgen Klopp's era, yet BVB still possesses a remarkable ability to develop young talent.
Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham would not have flourished into the world-class players they are today without their formative spells at Dortmund. Jadon Sancho's story follows a similar arc.
Estêvão doesn't immediately seem like the ideal wide player for Niko Kovač's system, but don't rule out Dortmund making their interest known if the Brazilian seeks a temporary change of scenery.
2. Barcelona
Barcelona had already taken note of just how gifted Estêvão was during his eye-catching performances for Palmeiras, and they got a closer look at him at Stamford Bridge last season.
Estêvão dismantled the Blaugrana in a Champions League encounter, netting a stunning solo goal that perfectly encapsulated his samba flair in a 3–0 win.
If the teenager were to become available—potentially on loan this winter should Chelsea be unwilling to sell permanently—Barça, who have seen Roony Bardghji suffer a lengthy knee injury, could well be interested.
For Estêvão himself, however, a move to Catalonia doesn't make a great deal of sense. He's unlikely to see much action playing in the shadow of Lamine Yamal, even if some feel his long-term future lies in a No. 10 role.
1. Real Madrid
It's about legacy.
Real Madrid is an institution that requires no introduction, and Estêvão has every reason to be drawn to the giant club beyond mere glamour and prestige.
Consider the Brazilian contingent he would be joining. Madrid successfully brought through young samba talents Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo from Brazilian football, transforming them into global stars.
Endrick has faced greater challenges in settling, but he is beginning to make meaningful contributions for José Mourinho's side. Los Blancos also find themselves short of a natural wide right option in Rodrygo's absence through injury, with Mourinho turning to creative midfielder Arda Güler to fill the void instead.
Estêvão may not have done enough in the current calendar year to stamp himself as a galáctico, yet so many regard him as Brazil's next great star. So what better stage could there be for him?