Flamengo value defender Wesley Franca wanted by Premier League giants at €40 million
After a breakout season in which 21-year-old right-back Wesley Franca secured a starting spot at Flamengo and made his debut for the Brazilian national team (in the same match against Argentina that led to Dorival Junior's dismissal), Wesley is getting closer to a move to Europe. Last year, his €20 million transfer to Atalanta collapsed at the last minute due to disagreements over the fee and payment schedule—but now the situation has completely changed.
According to Coluna do Fla, Manchester City are the most interested party and have offered €35 million to Flamengo, who own 90% of the player's transfer rights. Two of City’s rivals, Manchester United (who have already contacted the player’s agents) and Arsenal (who may send midfielder Jorginho in the opposite direction), have also shown strong interest. Taking advantage of the growing attention, Flamengo has raised Wesley’s price tag to €40 million.
The 21-year-old player seems increasingly determined to move to Europe. Wesley recently formalized his relationship with Amanda Martins, who gave birth to their daughter, Elis, in January. The child’s godfather—and witness at the couple’s wedding—is Flamengo captain Gerson, to whom Wesley dedicated a heartfelt speech, hinting at his upcoming transfer:
“Last year was a turning point for me when the Atalanta move fell through. I couldn’t hold back the tears—my dream was to join a good European club, and I wasn’t even sure if Flamengo still needed me. But I stayed, and my agent said: ‘You’ve just gone from a Ferrari to a Lamborghini, but you’re still in a Ferrari.’ That changed everything for me, even though I didn’t want to accept it at first.
"Then Gerson talked to me. He told me it was the right path, that he’d gone through the same thing, and that it was just a phase in my career. Gerson was one of the people who embraced me the most at Flamengo, and that’s why I’m where I am today—it’s all because of him, and he knows it. In my best moments, he hugged me. In my worst, he hugged me. When I got my first Brazil call-up, he hugged me again. Gerson is my godfather—and now also my daughter’s godfather.
"When I play abroad, I’ll visit him no matter where he is. I think I have the right to enjoy life—my daughter was born, I stayed at Flamengo, and I get to watch her grow. But I’ve talked to my agents—ideally, a move to Europe could happen in mid-year. I’ve said it before: it’s my dream to play abroad. But with Flamengo, I’ve experienced things I never expected. I love being here, but I also really want to play for a top club in a strong European league.”
– summarised Wesley.
