On July 28, 2025, Rome announced the signing of 22-year-old right-back Wesley, who leaves Flamengo in a €25 million fixed deal (R$ 161.5 million), with up to €5 million (R$ 32.2 million) in performance bonuses. The player, developed in Flamengo’s youth academy, signed a five-year contract until 2030 and will wear the number 43 shirt. The transfer, one of Flamengo’s largest ever, was finalized after the club secured Emerson Royal as a replacement. Wesley arrived in Italy on July 26, warmly welcomed by fans at Fiumicino Airport. The signing is a request from coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who sees the Brazilian as ideal for Rome’s right flank. Expectations are high for Wesley’s quick adaptation to Italian football, bringing versatility and big-game experience.
Wesley, a professional since 2021, played 139 matches for Flamengo, scoring four goals and winning six titles, including the 2022 Libertadores and the 2022 and 2024 Copa do Brasil. His farewell was marked by a decisive goal in a 2-1 victory over Red Bull Bragantino, ending a 29-year winless streak in Bragança Paulista. He also debuted for Brazil’s national team in March 2025, in a 2-1 win against Colombia.
- Wesley’s key numbers at Flamengo:
- 139 matches played.
- 4 goals scored.
- 6 titles won (2022 Libertadores, 2022 and 2024 Copa do Brasil, 2025 Supercopa, 2024 and 2025 Carioca).
- Brazil national team debut in 2025.
Deal marks new era for Rome and Flamengo
Wesley’s transfer to Rome is a financial milestone for Flamengo, ranking as the club’s fourth-largest sale, behind Vinícius Júnior (R$ 164 million in 2017), Lucas Paquetá (R$ 150 million in 2019), and Reinier (R$ 139.1 million in 2020). The fixed €25 million, plus bonuses, could reach R$ 193.7 million, boosting Flamengo’s budget for new investments. The club’s board, led by Rodolfo Landim, held off on the deal until securing Emerson Royal for €9 million from Milan, ensuring a replacement at right-back.
Rome, meanwhile, is in a rebuilding phase for the 2025/26 season. After an inconsistent Italian Championship with three managerial changes, the club bets on Gasperini, formerly of Atalanta, to implement an attacking, dynamic style. Wesley is the third signing announced, alongside Moroccan midfielder Neil El Aynaoui and Irish striker Evan Ferguson, who scored in a recent friendly against Kaiserlautern. The Brazilian’s arrival is seen as a strategic investment with potential for future resale to other European giants.
🤳 Un messaggio da Wesley…#ASRoma pic.twitter.com/JdTN1aX0QZ
— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) July 28, 2025
Wesley’s journey at Flamengo
Wesley, a Flamengo youth product since 2021, overcame early criticism to become a key player. With 152 matches, six goals, and seven assists, he shone with versatility, excelling in both attack and defense. Under Filipe Luís in 2025, he gained prominence, especially in high-stakes games like the Club World Cup. His call-up to Brazil’s national team under Carlo Ancelotti cemented his status as a top asset.
- Wesley’s standout moments at Flamengo:
- Game-winning goal against Red Bull Bragantino in 2025.
- Club World Cup participation in 2025.
- Libertadores and Copa do Brasil titles.
- Brazil debut against Colombia.
Despite facing pressure, Wesley’s growth was remarkable. In 2024, talks with Atalanta fell through, and Flamengo rejected offers from Aston Villa, Milan, and Zenit, prioritizing a deal that matched his potential. Wesley chose Rome for its sporting project and the chance to play in Serie A, one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
Expectations in Serie A
At Rome, Wesley will join the squad during the August 2025 pre-season, with a chance to debut in friendlies. Gasperini, who targeted him in 2024 for Atalanta, believes in his ability to adapt to Italy’s tactical intensity. Rome’s passionate fans have already embraced him, greeting him with banners and chants at the airport. Italian media see Wesley as a promising bet, comparing him to successful Brazilian full-backs like Dani Alves and Maicon.
Wesley joins a Rome side aiming to rebound after a fifth-place finish in the 2024/25 Serie A. Gasperini’s arrival and signings like Wesley signal bigger ambitions. The coach plans to use the Brazilian as a cornerstone at right-back, a position lacking depth in the squad.
- Rome’s goals for 2025/26:
- Return to elite European competitions.
- Establishing Gasperini’s playing style.
- Developing young talents like Wesley.
Impact on Flamengo
Wesley’s departure, though planned, required swift action from Flamengo. Emerson Royal, 26, was signed in 48 hours, showcasing the club’s efficiency. With experience at Barcelona, Tottenham, and Milan, Royal is set to take over at right-back. Flamengo fans, while nostalgic for Wesley, welcomed Royal, flooding social media with support.
With an R$ 800 million budget in 2024, Flamengo continues to invest heavily to stay competitive. Alongside Royal, the club signed Spanish midfielder Saúl Ñíguez, bolstering the midfield. The board, led by José Boto and Marcos Braz, balances selling young talents with signing experienced players to compete in the Brasileirão, Copa do Brasil, and Libertadores.
Reactions and Wesley’s future
Wesley’s transfer stirred excitement in Brazil and Italy. Flamengo fans celebrated the academy product’s value but shared emotional farewells online, especially praising his Bragantino goal. In Italy, media view the signing as part of Rome’s renewal, aiming to reclaim Serie A prominence. Gasperini praised Wesley’s versatility, and expectations are high for his adaptation.
- Reactions to the transfer:
- Flamengo fans lauded Wesley’s journey.
- Italian media highlighted his resale potential.
- Gasperini praised the Brazilian’s versatility.
- Expectations for quick adaptation to Serie A.
Wesley, now wearing Rome’s number 43, carries the responsibility of representing Brazilian football in one of the world’s toughest leagues. His youth and big-game experience make him a key piece in Gasperini’s project. Brazilian fans will closely follow his journey, while Flamengo focuses on strengthening its squad for 2025.
