Chelsea star Estevao has concerns over his role in the Chelsea team under Xabi Alonso just two games into the new Premier League season.
The Blues saw off interest from Europe’s elite to sign the Brazilian wonderkid from Palmeiras in the summer of 2024 in a £51million deal, linking up with the club a year later after turning 18.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a bright first season in English football before his season was cut short by a serious hamstring injury in May that ruled him out of the World Cup.
Estevao has already played under three different head coaches at Stamford Bridge in Enzo Maresca, Liam Rosenior and interim boss Calum McFarlane with Alonso taking the reins this summer.
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Chelsea have shone in the opening two games of the season, beating Fulham and Brighton. While there has been some defensive frailty, they have looked fearsome in attack with Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers all hitting the ground running.
Estevao was given seven minutes off the bench on the opening weekend against Fulham before starting the Carabao Cup second round game against Luton Town three days later.
He was an unused substitute on Sunday against Brighton with Chelsea continuing to manage his fitness given the severity of the injury he suffered last season.
While the season has just started, ESPN Brasil report Estevao has told those close to him he fears he will not get much playing time under Alonso this term.
And while he is happy in west London, the teenager could consider his options when the transfer window reopens in January.
Failure to qualify for Europe last season means there is a lighter schedule this term for Chelsea with competition for starting roles intense.
While the majority of his football last term came playing out wide, the Brazil international favours a central role currently occupied by Cole Palmer. Morgan Rogers, the club’s most expensive signing following his £117million arrival from Aston Villa, also thrives in the middle, impressing in a role off the left so far this term.
Pedro Neto has started on the right for Chelsea in their league two games to date with that role possibly Estevao’s best route into the starting XI. But the report claims Estevao would not be satisfied with that situation, fearing he would need to gain body mass which could compromise his playing style.
While the report states Estevao wants to stay at Chelsea, a lack of opportunities in the coming months could leave him to consider finding a new club in January.