Report: Liverpool Approach £33m Brazilian Star as Alexander-Arnold Contract Talks Stall | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Right-Back Dilemma: Brazilian Prospect Wesley on the Radar

Liverpool’s ongoing contract saga with Trent Alexander-Arnold is casting a shadow over their summer transfer plans. With less than four months remaining on his contract and Real Madrid lurking in the background, the Reds are actively exploring potential replacements. According to reports from Brazilian outlet UOL, Liverpool have turned their attention to Flamengo’s 21-year-old right-back Wesley as a possible long-term solution.

Interest in Wesley Grows

Journalist Bruno Andrade reports that Liverpool have been monitoring Wesley since last season. While the club remains hopeful that Alexander-Arnold will commit to a new deal, they are not taking any chances. Liverpool’s recruitment team has already made informal approaches to assess the possibility of signing the young Brazilian.

“The Reds have actually been watching Wesley since last season. More recently, they decided to make the first informal approaches, mainly with the idea of evaluating a move after the Super Club World,” UOL states.

Wesley has been highly regarded in South America and has attracted interest from Aston Villa and Bournemouth in the past, both of whom had offers rejected by Flamengo. Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg also attempted to sign him in January 2024 for around €25m, but Flamengo turned down the bid.

How Much Will Flamengo Demand?

Flamengo’s valuation of Wesley remains fluid, with the club expecting his price to rise depending on his international recognition. Should he break into the Brazilian national team in the coming months, Liverpool may need to fork out more than £30m for his signature.

“Rubro-Negro (the club’s chief) has not yet defined an exact amount to open talks for Wesley, but believes that, with the eventual consolidation in the Brazilian national team and, consequently, the development until the middle of the year, the player could yield more than 30 million euros.”

Liverpool’s willingness to pay that fee remains uncertain, especially considering the financial constraints of the post-Klopp era. The club is expected to prioritise reinforcements in midfield and central defence, making a big-money move for a right-back less likely unless Alexander-Arnold’s departure is confirmed.

Frimpong or Wesley?

Liverpool have also been linked with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, but reports suggest that the Dutchman does not suit Arne Slot’s tactical approach. Frimpong has a £33m release clause, making him an attractive option, but his attacking tendencies and defensive vulnerabilities might not align with Liverpool’s long-term plans.

While Frimpong is a more established player in European football, Wesley represents a raw but promising talent with significant room for growth. A move for the Flamengo defender would signal Liverpool’s commitment to long-term squad building, though the final decision will likely depend on Alexander-Arnold’s future.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The uncertainty surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future means the club must explore alternative options, even if fans still hope the Scouse star extends his stay.

A move for Wesley is logical but risky. The Brazilian has undeniable talent, but Flamengo’s asking price—potentially exceeding £30m—is a big gamble for a player yet to play in Europe. His aggressive, high-energy style could suit the Premier League, but stepping up from Brazil’s Serie A to English football is a huge transition.

Liverpool supporters may also question whether a young, unproven defender is the right move when the club should be targeting elite-level reinforcements. If Alexander-Arnold leaves, fans will expect a world-class replacement, not a developing prospect.

Wesley’s potential cannot be dismissed, but for Liverpool fans, the bigger concern remains whether Alexander-Arnold stays. If Trent extends his contract, this speculation fades away. If he leaves for Real Madrid, the Reds must act fast to secure a quality successor who can handle the pressures of Anfield.