Wesley, Flamengo's new 'jewel' that FC Barcelona 'tantalizes' to reinforce the right-back position

The sports management of FC Barcelona continues to monitor various options to strengthen the squad ahead of the upcoming summer market. With the 1:1 rule in effect, it is expected that the Catalan team can strengthen key positions in their sports project. One of these positions to strengthen is the right-back.

Despite having Jules Koundé as the undisputed starter on that right side (one of the best right-backs in the world today and a fundamental player in Hansi Flick's scheme), it is evident that FC Barcelona is looking to add competition in that position and prepare for the transition to replace the French defender. Another option besides Héctor Fort, another interesting project from the Barcelona youth academy.

Recently, various proven options have emerged to reinforce this position on the field. In particular, interest has grown in a player from South American football: Wesley Vinicius França Lima, who has been on the radar of FC Barcelona for a considerable time.

In fact, according to reports from 'SPORT', in the past, the Barcelona squad attempted to sign the native of Açaílandia. The negotiation involved a loan to Barça Atlètic to continue his development under the guidance of Rafa Márquez. Additionally, the loan included a purchase option to acquire him definitively. However, the transaction did not progress due to the financial demands imposed by Flamengo.

FC Barcelona continues to actively monitor Wesley as a 'dark horse' for the right-back position

Despite this, FC Barcelona has kept Wesley on their radar. At 21 years old, he is currently the starting right-back for Flamengo, standing out in the 2023-24 season, where he has provided two assists in 51 appearances (3,436').

With this in mind, it is not ruled out that the Catalan team could attempt to sign him, being one of the right-backs that the technical secretariat is carefully analyzing and for whom they could make an offer in the upcoming summer market. Everything will depend on how the 'exit operation' of the Catalan club unfolds.

Considering that Wesley is positioned as a good candidate to leave Flamengo in the next summer market and has a current value of €35M, FC Barcelona could explore a negotiation. It should be noted that if the sale occurs for this amount, it would be one of the most expensive sales in the history of 'Mengão', only behind transfers like Vinicius Jr. to Real Madrid for €45M in 2018 or Lucas Paquetá to AC Milan for €38.4M in the same year.

It is evident that, given the quality and profile of Wesley, with speed, a lot of dribbling, offensive vocation, and tactical maturity, he is likely to receive multiple proposals. Teams from the Premier League and others have been attentive to the young talents coming from South American football.