Liverpool have reportedly added Flamengo‘s Wesley to their shortlist of possible Trent Alexander-Arnold replacements, but they will have to battle four other clubs for his signature.
The Reds appear to have resigned themselves to losing Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer, and they could even let him leave early for the Club World Cup under two conditions.
There was brief renewed optimism that Liverpool’s second Premier League title win and Real Madrid’s struggles this season could tempt Alexander-Arnold into a U-turn, but that was always more hope than expectation.
Internally, Liverpool are said to have full faith in Alexander-Arnold’s backup Conor Bradley to step into his shoes, but it would be a surprise if the Merseyside giants did not try to sign a direct replacement in the summer.
According to CaughtOffside, Flamengo’s Wesley is now a name on Liverpool’s radar, as the 21-year-old has quickly risen to prominence in his homeland and is now a member of the senior Brazil squad.
Who is new Liverpool right-back target Wesley?
Wesley joined the Flamengo youth ranks in 2021 and has already made 125 appearances for the senior squad, although with just three goals and five assists, he poses much less attacking threat than Alexander-Arnold.
Nevertheless, the 2003-born defender’s form was strong enough to capture the attention of ex-Brazil boss Dorival Junior, who gave him his first two senior caps in March’s internationals with Colombia and Argentina.
Wesley’s attacking metrics may not jump out at first glance, but the 21-year-old is confident with the ball at his feet, averaging 2.68 progressive carries and 1.26 successful take-ons per game.
Over the past 365 days, Wesley has also amassed 2.54 shot-creating actions per game from a live-ball pass, suggesting that he can at least replicate some of Alexander-Arnold’s playmaking from deep.
The youngster stands at 5ft 10in tall and has already won six major honours with Flamengo, including the Copa Libertadores in the 2021-22 campaign.
Which teams are Liverpool battling for Wesley signature?
Wesley’s contract with the Brazilian giants runs until New Year’s Eve 2028, but Flamengo are not in the dark about the interest in the defender and are braced for bids when the summer rolls around.
As well as Liverpool, all of Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Barcelona are believed to be considering moves, and the Blues have even started talks with his representatives.
Chelsea would apparently be prepared to stump up €20m (£17m) to bring Wesley to Stamford Bridge this summer, but Flamengo want between €30m (£25.6m) and €35m (£29.8m) to sanction his exit.
However, both Man City and Arsenal have also touched base with Wesley’s camp alongside Chelsea and Liverpool – the latter of whom have made ‘informal approaches’ – so it should ultimately be up to the right-back to make the final call on his future.
