Chelsea keep Estêvão in plans after he loses starting spot

Estêvão, the Brazilian forward signed from Palmeiras, enjoyed a positive first season at Chelsea but has seen his undisputed place in the starting eleven disappear after Xabi Alonso’s arrival and a busy transfer window, although the club says he remains in the 2026/27 plans.

First season and early impact

After being Contratado in 2025 for €45 million fixed (R$ 287 million at the time), Estêvão featured in 36 matches, scoring eight goals and providing four assists, earning the admiration of fans under Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior. "Contratado em 2025 por 45 milhões de euros fixos" was the wording used in the original announcement. His early performances cemented a starting role before a grade‑four thigh injury curtailed his involvement at the end of the previous campaign.

Alonso’s arrival reshapes the attack

The appointment of Xabi Alonso and the signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for €137.5 million (R$ 804 million) forced a tactical shift, with Chelsea now favouring a two‑number‑10 system centred on João Pedro, Cole Palmer and Rogers. In the Premier League Estêvão has only managed 16 minutes across appearances against Arsenal and Fulham, entering in the second half of each game.

Alonso has limited Estêvão’s minutes, preferring Rogers in the wide‑right role, while still using the Brazilian as a rotational option. "Estêvão is ready, is training well. The other day he had a very good impact, a great chance. He is fully involved and with a very good attitude every day," the Spanish coach said this week.

Future role and contract outlook

Despite reduced league time, the club values Estêvão as a potential twelfth player and expects him to feature more in the English League Cup, where rotation is common. Reports from The Telegraph suggest a contract renewal could be negotiated in the coming months, extending his deal that currently runs until June 2033.

Renato Senise of noted Estêvão’s apparent dissatisfaction with his role, drawing a parallel with the departures of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal. Chelsea’s strategy mirrors the approach taken with João Pedro, aiming to secure player value before the market drives prices higher.