67-million-euro signing Estevao left on Chelsea bench as Xabi Alonso sidelines him

Chelsea's high-profile €67 million signing Estevao has fallen out of favour under manager Xabi Alonso and is spending more time on the bench than on the pitch, despite arriving at Stamford Bridge with big expectations.

Limited minutes and few starts

The 19-year-old Brazilian, nicknamed "Mesino," moved to Chelsea in 2025 after a transfer that had been agreed a year earlier. Although Real Madrid also monitored him, he opted for the London club and made headlines on 5 October 2025 when he scored the winning goal against Liverpool.

One season on, his involvement is minimal: Estevao has logged only 172 minutes this campaign across eight appearances — six in the Premier League and two in the League Cup. The strong form of Pedro Neto has further reduced his opportunities to break into the starting XI.

That lack of trust was underlined during Chelsea's recent League Cup exit to Liverpool. Estevao warmed up on the touchline but was not brought on; instead, Alonso introduced Emanuell Emegha, who had not played a minute since arriving from Strasbourg in the summer.

Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison expressed bafflement at the decision: "I don't understand how Estevao didn't come on at all. He must be thinking: 'What else do I have to do?' 'Two of our attacking stars are injured, and I'm still on the bench'," Morrison told the BBC.

Alonso acknowledged the player's frustration while defending the club's approach: "He may not be very happy because he wants to play. I'm sure his moment will come. That's my responsibility. We know football in England is very intense and you must be ready for that. Estevao is in his second season and the campaign will be long," the Spaniard said.

For now, the teenager must wait for chances — and for Alonso to decide when to reintroduce the signing who carried a €67 million price tag and early-season promise.

Photo: press material from the event