Crystal Palace are being touted as a possible destination for Flamengo talent Wesley Franca ahead of the January transfer window.
The 20-year-old is a former teammate of current Crystal Palace player Matheus Franca, who joined from Flamengo in the summer window.
Wesley was linked in recent weeks as Crystal Palace’s desperation for a right-back continues, and with Joel Ward now injured, it is now a position that urgently needs filling in January.
Flamengo open to selling Crystal Palace target Wesley
Brazilian journalist Julio Miguel Neto has now posted on X that Flamengo are open to selling the right-back, amidst interest from European sides including Palace.
Neto has claimed that Crystal Palace are attentive to the situation of Wesley, with co-owner John Textor keeping an eye on him.
Textor also has stakes in Brazilian side Botafogo, and is aware of some of the emerging talent from the region, which could have sparked his interest in Wesley for Palace.
Brazilian football expert Rogerio Do Amaral Junior has also told We Are Palace that Flamengo do not need to buy before they sanction a sale of Wesley, and he has been put on the transfer list as a result of the interest in him.
Should Crystal Palace buy Wesley?
John Textor’s interest in the defender, as well as his availability, may mean that this could be a straightforward deal for Palace to complete.
Ward has disappointed for most of the season, and given that Nathaniel Clyne is 32, a long-term option at right-back is needed.
Palace also need to sign a midfielder as a result of an injury to Cheick Doucoure, meaning funds may be limited. If Wesley can be signed on a cheaper deal, possibly using Textor’s connections to Brazilian football, then it would be worth getting another body in for the position.
Wesley has made 57 appearances for Flamengo, scoring twice and assisting once, and featured regularly last season.
