Xabi Alonso rules out January exit for Chelsea prodigy amid Barcelona links

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has moved to close the doors on the possibility of a January exit for Brazilian wonderkid Estevao, amid links to Barcelona.

The 19-year-old attacking prodigy has struggled for minutes in the early parts of the season, leading to speculations about a possible January exit.

Barcelona keeping tabs on Estevao

And Barça, who have monitored him since his days at Palmeiras, were said to keeping an eye on the situation.

The Blaugrana looked into the possibility of signing Estevao seriously before he eventually joined Chelsea last year.

One of the primary reasons behind the Catalans’ decision to not pursue the Brazilian gem was that he occupies the same position as Lamine Yamal.

Back on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

“There are several reasons. First, in the construction phase we are in, we have a player for the same position with similar characteristics named Lamine Yamal. It’s obvious,”Deco explained in an interview earlier this year.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a productive debut season at Chelsea, but has found minutes hard to come by under Alonso this season.

Up until today’s game against Manchester United, he had played less than 50 minutes of football in the Premier League this term. He was completely overlooked in the Blues’ Carabao Cup loss to Liverpool earlier in the week, sparking fresh questions over his future.

Barcelona, as such, are understood to have taken note of the situation and are said to be closely monitoring any developments.

Alonso shuts the door

However, Alonso has moved to close the doors on any potential January departure for Estevao, stating that the youngster remains a part of his plans.

Estevao not leaving in January, insists Alonso. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

“Yes, of course he’ll play. It’s a long season and there’ll be opportunities for everyone,” the Chelsea manager said, as quoted by SPORT.

“It’s no secret that all players want to be on the pitch; they want to play. And when one of them hasn’t had enough playing time because of a decision I’ve made, I have to take responsibility for the fact that he isn’t as happy as he could be,” he further explained.

Firmly ruling out a January exit, he clarified: “No, there are no discussions about that.”

Alonso’s comments suggest that Chelsea are committed to giving Estevao time to establish himself.

Whether that translates into a more substantial role on the pitch remains to be seen, particularly with Barcelona continuing to monitor his development.