Barcelona have reportedly been given the go ahead to sign highly-rated Brazilian youngster Estevao Willian. 

The winger earned the nickname ‘Messinho’ in his youth for his technical similarities to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, and he became the youngest Brazilian player to be sponsored by Nike aged just 10 in 2018.

Estevao made his senior debut for Palmeiras in December, becoming the club’s fourth-youngest player in the process.

According to a report from Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Estevao is determined to join Barcelona once FIFA transfer regulations permit him to leave South America in the summer of 2025.

Brazilian youngster Estevao is reportedly set on joining Barcelona once he turns 18

The Catalan giants have reportedly been monitoring Estevao’s progress for more than a year

Barcelona are said to have been monitoring Estevao’s progress closely for at least a year, with the club’s sporting director Deco reportedly a huge admirer of the young talent.

Estevao is keen to follow in Messi’s footsteps in Catalonia, describing Barcelona as his ‘dream move’, with Manchester United, Chelsea and PSG all reportedly also interested in signing the starlet. 

Last year, the 16-year-old was selected to be part of Brazil’s team at the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia.

Estevao appeared in all five of Brazil’s matches, including a 2-1 win over an England team that featured Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri in the group stage.

16-year-old was part of the Brazil squad that reached the quarter finals of the U-17 World Cup last summer

The Selecao would ultimately be eliminated in the quarter-finals in a 3-0 defeat to Argentina.

The Catalan giants might have already made a move for Estevao if their financial situation wasn’t quite as delicate as it currently is.

The Blaugrana’s financial outlook is not quite as bleak as it was at times in recent years where the club reportedly feared potential bankruptcy, but Xavi is still said to have been forced to prioritise other targets before moving for Estevao.