Flamengo draw the line on Wesley as transfer frenzy heats up | OneFootball

Flamengo are navigating an active transfer window with significant developments both on incoming targets and potential departures, according to reports from Lance and La Gazzetta dello Sport.

In terms of outgoings, Italian side Roma have renewed interest in right-back Wesley. The club is reportedly preparing a proposal valued at €25 million (approximately R$160 million), with the offer structured as an initial loan including a compulsory purchase clause after one season. Flamengo, however, remain firm on their stance, setting the asking price for the 22-year-old at no less than €30 million (around R$192 million). Football director José Boto previously outlined to La Gazzetta dello Sport, "Officially there is nothing with Italy, but unofficially… 20 million euros, like I’ve heard, are not enough to sign him, at least 30. Wesley is ready for Europe. He is a huge talent. Let's see after the World Cup, but we are not obliged to sell him." Boto highlighted the defender’s speed and attacking qualities while acknowledging that Wesley is still refining his defensive game.

Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has long been an admirer of Wesley, having previously sought his signature while at Atalanta. That move fell through in mid-2024 after an initial verbal agreement between clubs was unable to be formalized. Gasperini rates Wesley’s attacking attributes and sees his profile as a strong fit for a system that values fast, offensive full-backs.

On the recruitment front, Flamengo have advanced in signing Irish winger Mikey Johnston from West Bromwich Albion. According to Lance and Express & Star, the deal is expected to be completed for around £5 million (about R$37 million). Johnston, 26, is a right-footed wide attacker who prefers operating from the left but is also comfortable on the right. Last season, he notched three goals and five assists in 42 matches for West Brom, most of those in the EFL Championship. His move comes with the approval of football director Boto, who tracked Johnston during his time in Portuguese football in 2022-23.

Johnston is a Celtic youth product and has also spent time at Vitória de Guimarães in Portugal. Across his career, he has logged 199 senior appearances, with 31 goals and 26 assists. Flamengo’s focus this window has centered on bringing in wingers to provide more attacking options.

The club is also exploring additions in midfield and attack. Talks continue for midfielder Jorge Carrascal, though Flamengo’s initial €12 million offer was declined by his Russian club, leaving negotiations currently stalled but not off the table. At centre-forward, there has been interest in Facundo Colidio of River Plate, though those discussions remain at a preliminary stage.

As the window progresses, Flamengo maintain a proactive approach—balancing significant interest in their own young talent with a search for new profiles to refresh the squad’s attacking dynamics and depth.

(Sources: Lance, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Express & Star)

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