Roma break the bank for Wesley: Flamengo gem lands in Serie A | OneFootball

Wesley Vinícius França Lima’s transfer from Flamengo to AS Roma is now official, with both clubs confirming the deal on July 28, 2025. The defender arrives in Serie A for a fee of €25 million, with a further €5 million in potential bonuses. That valuation places Wesley among Flamengo’s largest ever sales, reflecting Roma’s willingness to invest for the long term. He has signed a five-year contract, keeping him in Rome until 2030.

After completing his medical on July 27, Wesley was welcomed by over a hundred Roma fans at Fiumicino Airport. Flamengo, in their farewell message, referenced both the emotional bond and the practical impact of losing a key homegrown player. Their statement highlighted Wesley’s 139 appearances and rise from youth teams to regular starter, noting his four goals and the “sweat and resilience” he brought to the club.

At AS Roma, the anticipation is rooted in the need for fresh options at right back. Head coach Daniele De Rossi is understood to view Wesley as a modern, attacking full back who can fit into either a 4-3-3 or 3-5-2, potentially taking over from Zeki Çelik. Sporting director Tiago Pinto described Wesley’s journey as embodying the “resilience and hunger” that Roma want in their squad.

Wesley has spoken about his roots and the significance of this step. He thanked Flamengo for making “a boy’s dream come true,” a nod to both his footballing start and his background—he once worked as a parking attendant to help his family.

Players emerging from Brazil’s domestic leagues often arrive in Europe with sizable expectations, and Wesley’s recent performances have put his name firmly on the radar. He is 22 years old, born in Açailândia, Brazil, and while primarily a right back, he is comfortable operating as a wing back. Last season at Flamengo, Wesley earned an average rating of 7.16 across five Copa Libertadores appearances, registering 9 tackles and averaging 8 successful dribbles per game. He added four assists in domestic league play in 2024, with a reputation for pace, 1v1 defending, and quality crossing. Roma have paid above his €20 million market value, banking on his potential.

Roma plan to use Wesley as a first-choice right back, overlapping with attacking players like Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini. His pace and stamina allow him to cover wide areas, and his progressive dribbling (8 successful dribbles per 90 minutes in the Libertadores) fits De Rossi’s approach. If there is a question mark, it is his defensive positioning, which will need attention in the tactically strict environment of Serie A.

The transfer comes at a pivotal moment for both clubs. Flamengo use the €25 million fee to help fund a squad rebuild, already moving to sign Emerson Royal from Milan as Wesley’s replacement. They lose a homegrown talent but are able to reinvest in depth. Roma, meanwhile, have flexibility with Çelik now able to rotate or move on.

The negotiations moved quickly once Milan agreed to sell Emerson Royal to Flamengo for €15 million, clearing the way for Wesley’s departure. Roma overcame competition from Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen, structuring the deal in a way that worked for all parties.

Wesley is scheduled for presentation at Stadio Olimpico on July 30, where he is expected to wear the #43 shirt as a tribute to his Flamengo roots. He will likely make his first appearances for Roma in their pre-season friendlies in August. The deal stands as a marker of Roma’s strategy, aiming to blend youth and determination, while Flamengo continue to demonstrate the value of their academy system. Wesley’s journey from working parking lots in Brazil to Serie A adds a personal dimension to one of the summer’s high-profile moves.