On July 9, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, 21-year-old right-back Wesley, a standout for Flamengo at the Club World Cup, reached a contractual agreement with Italy’s Roma. The Italian club is preparing an offer of approximately €25 million (around R$160 million) to finalize the transfer of the player, who shone this season and caught the eye of other European clubs. Negotiations progressed after direct talks between Wesley, his representatives, and Roma’s coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, who previously attempted to sign him while at Atalanta. The Roma contract outlines a five-year term with salary details already settled. The official bid to Flamengo is expected soon, as the Brazilian club weighs the future of its young talent. European interest surged after Wesley’s performances at the Club World Cup, and the transfer could be one of Flamengo’s largest ever.
The player, also called up to the Brazilian national team, is at the peak of his career. If confirmed, his departure marks the end of a victorious stint at Flamengo, where he won six titles. Roma, meanwhile, aims to bolster its squad with young prospects, and Wesley is seen as a key piece for Gasperini’s project.
- Key points of the agreement:
- Transfer value estimated at €25 million.
- Five-year contract with Roma.
- Interest from other Italian clubs in the right-back.
- Talks accelerated post-Club World Cup.
The focus now shifts to the formalization of Roma’s offer and Flamengo’s decision, which could yield significant profit from one of its top assets.
🚨🟡🔴 AS Roma approached Flamengo with initial valuation around €20m for Wesley, after agreement done with the player.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 10, 2025
Flamengo want around €25m as Zenit St Petersburg offered, but player rejected as he prefers Roma.
🎥🇮🇹 https://t.co/bgctQ9MozS pic.twitter.com/QXWLdHTztt
Wesley’s journey at Flamengo
Wesley joined Flamengo’s youth academy and quickly stood out for his versatility and physicality. With 133 matches for the club, he has 73 wins, 30 draws, and 30 losses, plus three goals scored. His consistency earned him attention from European clubs since 2023, but it was at the 2025 Club World Cup that he solidified his global reputation. He played a role in historic moments, like the Libertadores and Copa do Brasil titles, cementing his status as one of Brazil’s top right-backs.
Flamengo, aware of Wesley’s potential, has been cautious in negotiations. In 2024, Atalanta, then led by Gasperini, nearly signed him for R$120 million, but the deal fell through over contractual issues. Now, with Roma, talks appear more concrete, and Flamengo aims to maximize financial returns from the sale.
European interest post-Club World Cup
The Club World Cup was a turning point for Wesley. His speed, precise crosses, and defensive skills during the tournament drew widespread attention. Although no offers arrived during the competition, Flamengo’s board anticipated interest from European clubs. Besides Roma, other Italian teams are monitoring the player, but Roma took the lead by securing the preliminary agreement.
Europe’s summer transfer window, which heats up in July, is ideal for clubs like Roma to strengthen their squads. At 21, Wesley is viewed as a long-term investment, capable of playing as a right-back or wing-back in more attacking systems. His adaptation to Italy’s tactically demanding football is expected to be smooth, according to analysts.
Relationship with Gian Piero Gasperini
Gian Piero Gasperini, recently hired by Roma, is central to the deal. He first targeted Wesley in 2024 while at Atalanta, though that transfer collapsed. Now at Roma, Gasperini sees Wesley as ideal for his high-intensity, attack-minded philosophy, which relies on dynamic full-backs.
Direct conversations between Gasperini and Wesley were pivotal. The coach outlined Roma’s plans for the 2025/2026 season, including Serie A and European competitions. Gasperini’s confidence in Wesley’s potential suggests the right-back will be a starter in Rome.
- Factors that attracted Roma:
- Youth and room for growth.
- Experience in high-stakes competitions like Libertadores and Club World Cup.
- Tactical versatility for various formations.
- Strong performances with Brazil’s national team.
Brazil national team call-ups
The 2025 season also saw Wesley rise with Brazil. Called up by coach Dorival Júnior for World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina, he seized the opportunity. Against Colombia, he came off the bench and provided an assist. Starting against Argentina, he delivered a solid performance, helping Brazil secure an away draw.
His national team experience boosted his international profile. European clubs, particularly in Italy, intensified their interest, and his call-ups were a key factor in Roma’s push to sign him. Wesley now aims to maintain his form for further opportunities with Brazil while navigating his transfer.
Stats and achievements at Flamengo
Wesley’s Flamengo career boasts impressive stats for his age. At 21, he has played 133 matches, with a 55% win rate. His three goals reflect his defensive role, but his assists and offensive contributions are standout features.
He won six titles with Flamengo: two Copa do Brasil, two Carioca Championships, one Libertadores, and one Supercopa do Brasil. Each trophy underscored his importance to the squad and his ability to perform in high-pressure moments.
Negotiations and financial expectations
Flamengo, known for sound financial management, expects a major windfall from Wesley’s sale. The anticipated €25 million (R$160 million) offer ranks among the club’s biggest transfers. For context, Vinicius Jr.’s 2018 move to Real Madrid fetched €45 million, but Wesley, at 21, is more established than Vinicius was then.
Flamengo’s board plans to reinvest the funds in squad reinforcements and youth development. The club may also negotiate performance-based bonuses, such as minutes played or titles won by Wesley at Roma, to increase the deal’s value.
Wesley’s profile in Europe
Brazilian players with traits like Wesley’s—speed and defensive solidity—often thrive in Europe. Players like Juventus’ Danilo and Tottenham’s Emerson Royal have adapted well, and Wesley, with his youth and high-level experience, could follow suit.
Roma, with other Brazilians in its squad, expects Wesley to settle quickly. The club plans to integrate him during the August 2025 pre-season to adapt to Gasperini’s style.
- Wesley’s strengths for Italian football:
- High intensity throughout matches.
- Accurate crosses into the box.
- Experience in high-stakes knockout games.
Next steps in the transfer
Roma’s formal offer is the next hurdle. Flamengo, in no rush to release Wesley, expects the bid soon. If the amount meets expectations, the transfer could wrap up before the European season starts.
Meanwhile, Wesley continues training with Flamengo, focusing on fitness and performance. His potential exit, while a technical loss, highlights Flamengo’s strength in developing and selling talent globally.
What Roma gains with Wesley
Wesley’s arrival strengthens Roma’s push to reclaim Serie A prominence. Under Gasperini’s intense, full-back-driven system, Wesley fits perfectly. At 21, he offers long-term value and could become one of Europe’s top right-backs, potentially increasing his market value.
