Newcastle United Identify Perfect €50m Defensive Solution For Eddie Howe: But Does He Actually Need Him? | OneFootball

Reports from AS Roma Live say Newcastle United have made AS Roma’s Wesley França a top target for their defence. The 22-year-old Brazilian only moved to Italy last summer for €25 million, but he has already made a huge impression, causing his price tag to skyrocket. Newcastle scouts have been regulars at his matches, as his technical ability looks like a perfect match for the Premier League.

Because of that interest, Roma are now asking for a massive €50 million. They have basically doubled their money in under a year. Everton, Brighton, and Arsenal all looked at him while he was back at Flamengo, but the Magpies are currently at the front of the queue. Since Wesley is locked into a contract until 2030, Newcastle will have to commit to a major outlay to get a deal done.

Tactical Fit: Does Eddie Howe need Wesley França at Newcastle United?

ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 27: Wesley Franca of AS Roma competes for the ball with Kevin Mbabu of FC Midtjylland during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between AS Roma and FC Midtjylland at Stadio Olimpico on November 27, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Eddie Howe loves high-energy full-backs who can push forward and join the attack, and Wesley França fits that mould perfectly. Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are already great options, but adding a versatile Brazilian international would give the team a different kind of pace and ball-carrying ability.

On top of that, the Brazilian got the right frame to handle the physical, end-to-end nature of the English game. He is great going forward, though some critics think his defensive positioning still needs a bit of work on the training ground.

The Magpies still have to convince him that he will actually start games rather than just sitting on the bench as a backup. The 22-year-old is playing European football in a system that works for him right now. So, he might not be in a rush to leave Italy.

That said, if the club show him a clear plan and a better paycheck, they should have enough pull to bring him to St James’ Park. Newcastle need to move fast, though; plenty of other top European sides are keeping tabs on him. If they sign him, they will have a defender who can cover both flanks for the next 10 years.