Manchester City miss out on right-back target as €30 million transfer announced

Manchester City have failed to secure the signing of highly-rated Brazilian right-back Wesley from Flamengo, with AS Roma winning the race for the player. City had spent months exploring options to strengthen their right defensive flank, a position given tactical importance under Pep Guardiola due to its fluid role blending into midfield or acting as a third centre-back.

Their search identified Wesley, a 21-year-old dynamic and aggressive right-back who enjoyed a standout season in Brazil and impressed at the FIFA Club World Cup. Considered one of South America's most promising young defenders, City were reported admirers by early May, valuing him around £30 million as they assessed replacements for the departing Kyle Walker. Brighton & Hove Albion also showed strong interest, making a reported £20 million bid in late June, with Flamengo open to selling after positive talks with Wesley about his desire to move to Europe.

However, AS Roma have now officially confirmed signing Wesley. The Serie A club secured the deal for €25 million plus a further €5 million in add-ons, totalling a potential €30 million. This transfer followed Roma's own reshuffle at right-back, which involved Emerson Royal moving from AC Milan to Flamengo as part of related moves.

For Manchester City, this outcome ends their immediate hopes of signing Wesley as a long-term solution and marks a rare instance of them being beaten to a young talent they actively pursued. Attention now shifts to who might be next on their right-back shortlist. While Wesley's direct, overlapping style represented a potential shift, City may now revert to more traditional Guardiola-style options, such as promoting an internal candidate or targeting a more experienced European-based player capable of tucking into midfield.