Juventus eye Wesley as Flamengo stand firm on €30m price | OneFootball

Juventus are weighing up a move for Flamengo right-back Wesley Vinicius Franca Lima as they look to strengthen their full-back options for the coming campaign. The 21-year-old Brazilian, a regular starter for Flamengo, has attracted significant attention across Europe after a consistent run of performances, including standout appearances in the Club World Cup.

Wesley, whose contract with Flamengo runs until the end of 2028, has compiled a solid record this season with 25 games, three assists, and an average of 2.5 tackles per match. His pass accuracy stands at 87%, and he has featured five times in the CONMEBOL Libertadores, notching up 389 minutes and earning a 7.16 average rating. Scouts have taken note of his reliability and confidence in possession, as well as his ability to impact both defensively and going forward.

The interest from Juventus is not without competition. Manchester City, Roma and Brighton have also shown interest, and Flamengo have made their position clear on valuation. Sporting director José Boto has indicated that the club will not accept offers below €30 million. Flamengo's track record of negotiating high-value sales—Vinicius Jr. and Lucas Paquetá being recent examples—means they are unlikely to budge from their stance, particularly after using the Club World Cup as a showcase for their talents.

Juventus, meanwhile, are understood to be hoping for a negotiation closer to Wesley's current market value, estimated at around €20 million, though there is no suggestion of financial constraints pushing their hand. The Italian club has reportedly scouted Wesley in recent months and are keeping an open dialogue regarding terms, but Flamengo's firm approach could prove to be a sticking point.

Wesley himself appears fully focused on his current club. "My focus is totally here at Flamengo... It's my dream to play in Europe, but today my reality is Flamengo. I don't think about anything outside, what happens is with my agent, with the club, my focus is Flamengo and it will always be Flamengo," he stated recently. This echoes the sentiment from Flamengo’s side, who do not see an urgent need to sell due to the club’s stable financial position, but remain open to the right offer.

The probability of a deal is currently thought to be around 60%. Any movement will likely depend on whether Juventus is willing to meet Flamengo's asking price, and how the interest from other European clubs develops in the coming weeks. With the transfer window open and agents active, the next steps will hinge on negotiations and whether Flamengo’s valuation is matched or surpassed.

Wesley’s trajectory reflects a familiar pattern of promising South American talent attracting suitors from Europe after making an impact in international club competitions. As the market heats up, his situation will be seen as one of the more closely watched potential moves in the summer window.

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