Wesley: ‘Making a dream come true' with Roma transfer
The wingback had been a primary target for coach Gian Piero Gasperini even when still with Atalanta, although the negotiations dragged on for a while to get the deal over the line.
It was eventually agreed that he would make the move for €25m plus €5m in add-ons after Flamengo also secured Emerson Royal from Milan as his replacement at a cost of €9m.
Wesley published pictures on social media of himself at the airport with a little Italian flag, then spoke to reporters before flying out to Rome.
Wesley flying out for Roma medical
Wesley posts an Instagram Stories as he flies out for Roma medical
'I'm making a dream come true, but at the same time a piece of my heart is breaking too, because I am leaving,' said the 21-year-old.
'I thank God for what he is doing in my life, I thank the fans, everyone. As I always say in interviews, if it wasn't for the criticism, I wouldn't be who I am today. I know there is still a long way to go and I must evolve, but it is through dealing with criticism that I learned to turn things around.'
✈️🇮🇹 Antes de embarcar rumo à Itália, Wesley concedeu entrevista e deixou uma mensagem para a torcida do Flamengo, garantindo que voltará futuramente. 🎥 @flazoeiro_ pic.twitter.com/TQE1Hh6jhA — Coluna do Fla (@ColunadoFla) July 26, 2025
Wesley has two senior caps for Brazil, both earned in 2025, and impressed for Flamengo at the FIFA Club World Cup.
'I want to become a champion like I was here, and I hope to return one day, so it won't be goodbye. When I return to Brazil, it will be for Flamengo.'
He is a product of the Flamengo youth academy who stepped up to the senior squad in January 2023.
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