Wesley: Why Liverpool & Barcelona want Brazilian next Dani Alves

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TAA replacement? 

©TM/IMAGO

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future has dominated the headlines this season with Liverpool increasingly resigned to losing one of their star players. The academy graduate has won it all at Anfield since making his debut in 2016 and is destined to add another Premier League title to his silverware collection. Alexander-Arnold is widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world and Liverpool are desperate to keep the 26-year-old in Merseyside.

But it’s understood that the England international favours a new challenge with Real Madrid his expected destination. Liverpool rejected an optimistic offer from the Champions League holders in January but Madrid remain confident of securing Alexander-Arnold’s signature on a free transfer. Arne Slot’s attention will switch to replacing the right-back to provide competition to emerging star Conor Bradley and Flamengo starlet Wesley has emerged as a potential replacement.

Who is Wesley?

Wesley is a right-back, currently plying his trade at Brazilian top-flight club Flamengo. The 21-year-old joined the Rio de Janeiro club’s youth ranks from Tubarão in 2021 and he quickly progressed into a first-team player. The 2023 campaign was Wesley’s first as a first-team regular, making 56 appearances in all competitions – notably Série A and the Copa Libertadores. Wesley has grown in influence and was integral to Flamengo winning the Copa do Brasil last season and finishing third in the league to secure qualification for the Copa Libertadores.

The Brazilian has developed a reputation for his attacking flair and Marcos Watts, Transfermarkt’s Série A expert, has detailed his main qualities. He said: “He’s very skilled for a defender, makes good forward-runs often and knows how to set up an attack. His speed and agility make him a good athlete, allowing him to come back to defence quickly after attacking – which is so important for a modern full-back.

Which clubs are interested in Wesley?

Manchester United were linked with Wesley during the January window but it’s understood that Liverpool are the leading candidates. Anfield chiefs have made an initial approach to Flamengo over the 21-year-old, according to various Brazilian outlets. Liverpool have enjoyed great success from signing South American’s in recent years, including Fabinho, Roberto Firmino, Luiz Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister. Liverpool, however, aren’t the only European giants tracking the Flamengo star with Barcelona eyeing a deal hoping to unearth the next Dani Alves.

But is Wesley ready for the demands at one of the biggest clubs in the world? “Whether he’s ready for a top European side will depend a lot on the system they play,” Watts declared. “Being such an offensive-minded full-back makes him unsuitable for many of the tactical approaches in European football. Wesley, however, represents a ‘rare piece’ in terms of being a young talent that would fit Liverpool and Barcelona. If he continues to develop quickly and improves his defensive acumen then he could earn a move to a top five league club and maybe even the Brazilian NT.”

How much is Wesley worth?

Wesley’s current market valuation is €9m on Transfermarkt but that’s likely to increase in the next Serie A update. The right-back is the third most valuable Brazilian U21 defender in the world and he’s been tipped for a call-up to the senior squad. Moreover, Flamengo reportedly recently rejected a €25m offer from Zenit St Petersburg and they’ll want any fee to enter their top five record sales – Vinicius Jr’s €45m sale to Real Madrid is their record.

On Wesley’s valuation, Watts concluded: “Flamengo wouldn’t want to sell their starting right-back for a low price and their minimum valuation would be €20m. The club reportedly rejected a bid from Atalanta last summer, in a package deal of about €16m + €4m in add-ons. Considering their squad depth and how well the player has developed in the second half of 2024, their asking price should be a bit higher.”