Who is Roma’s new signing Wesley Franca and why did coach Gasperini want him at all costs? | OneFootball

Roma have officially completed the acquisition of promising Brazilian full-back Wesley Franca from Flamengo after a lengthy pursuit.

The Giallorossi have announced  that the 21-year-old is set to feature in the squad after having completed his medical tests and will wear number 43 for the club whilst on the pitch.

Despite tense negotiations with the Brazilian giants, Roma have managed to reach an agreement with Flamengo for the transfer of the right-footed defender of a fee worth €25m and an additional €5m in add-ons. Roma have secured the rising star on a five-year contract until June 2030.

Although at times it seemed that the transfer of Wesley to Roma was not feasible due to Flamengo’s lucrative demands, the Giallorossi did not withdraw from negotiations far too easily as former Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini wanted the rising star at all costs and deemed him as his primary choice for the full-back position.

Some may wonder, what exactly intrigued Gasperini in pursuing Wesley so heavily upon arriving at Roma from La Dea?

As Gasperini is an attacking minded coach and utilizes a tactical system where the full-backs push forward when in-possession and presses very high when his side is off the ball, Wesley is the ideal profile for the Italian coach as a lateral defender.

Through climbing up the ranks of Flamengo’s academy and making his way to the senior team, Wesley has portrayed his ability to be a very dangerous full-back when on the counter.

The promising defender demonstrates no fear, eager to take on his marker when going forward with his impressive fine-tune dribbling and blistering pace out-wide.

The 21-year-old emerged as vital player for Flamengo very quickly since graduating from the youth academy and has earned 3 appearances for the Brazilian national team at such a young age.

Whilst the Brazilian defender possesses the capability to win the ball back for his team and bolster the attack in-transition, it seems that the South American prospect has the potential to flourish under Gasperini at the helm of Roma this season.

Julian Faustini Ι GIFN