Rome already has a new owner for its right flank. The giallorosso club has completed the signing of Wesley França, a Brazilian full-back who is only 21 years old, from Flamengo.
The deal has been closed for an amount that could reach up to €30 million (about $32.6 million), including performance bonuses. It's a powerful move that leaves FC Barcelona without one of the players Hansi Flick was most interested in.
A priority for the new Roma of Gasperini
Wesley arrives to fill a key role in Gian Piero Gasperini's system. The new Roman coach has requested specific reinforcements for his system, where wing-backs play an essential role. While the left side is well covered with Angeliño, on the right Roma had a gap.
Neither Celik, Saud Abdulhamid, nor Devyne Rensch managed to fully convince. Gasperini needed a young, physical profile, with stamina and tactical discipline. He has found it in Wesley, who has already shown in Brazil that he is a complete player, capable of defending and contributing in attack with intensity.
A gem that already shines in Brazil
Despite his young age, Wesley is not an unknown. Born in 2003, he has already played more than 100 matches with Flamengo, including high-stakes games such as the 2025 Club World Cup, where he left a very good impression. In addition, he has recently debuted with Brazil's senior national team, which confirms his potential.
Fast, technical, and with great vision, Wesley was a key piece both under Tite and his successor at Flamengo. His sale was a matter of time, and in the end, Roma has made a strong bet on him.
Barça out of the race for his signing
Wesley's arrival in Rome represents a significant setback for Barcelona. From within the blaugrana club, it had been leaked that Hansi Flick had expressly requested the signing of the Brazilian. The German coach saw him as the ideal full-back to modernize a position that continues to raise doubts at Camp Nou.
However, Barça couldn't match either the pace of the deal or the financial offer presented by the Italian club. Despite the interest, the blaugrana financial situation worked against them, and Roma moved ahead with determination.
Change of cycle also at Flamengo
With Wesley's departure, Flamengo has already reacted: his replacement will be Emerson Royal, who returns to Brazilian soccer after his time at Milan. Curiously, another former Barça player, in a move that closes the circle.
In Rome, Wesley begins a new chapter with the challenge of standing out and making a name for himself among the great full-backs of Europe. The club is betting on him as a figure for both the present and the future.