Crystal Palace Initiates Talks for Right-Back Wesley, a Preferred Player of John Textor
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Crystal Palace has recently reached out to Flamengo in pursuit of signing Wesley, a player highly favored by John Textor for Selhurst Park, reports Coluna do Fla. The Eagles find themselves in urgent need of a new right-back, given the struggles of Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne.
The latest update suggests that Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman have taken action, with Crystal Palace inquiring about the possibility of securing Wesley’s services. The 20-year-old right-back, who has also attracted interest from Brighton and Wolves, expresses a desire to make the move to Europe.
According to Coluna do Fla, Wesley was close to joining Barcelona at the beginning of 2023, but the deal fell through due to financial constraints faced by the Spanish giants. During the 2022/23 campaign, the Açailândia-born defender made 56 appearances for Flamengo, contributing two goals and one assist.
Flamengo seems open to selling Wesley, especially as he enters the final two years of his contract at the Maracanã Stadium, provided the financial terms meet their expectations.
The rumor gains credibility as John Textor has publicly expressed his interest in bringing Wesley to Crystal Palace. The American, with connections in Brazilian football through his ownership of Botafogo, stated in a recent interview with ESPN, “I like Wesley, he’s a good boy. I want him at Crystal Palace.”
Furthermore, Dougie Freedman has already successfully negotiated with Flamengo earlier in the year for the £26 million signing of Matheus Franca, establishing a positive relationship with the South American club.
As the situation develops, it’s worth keeping an eye on the potential winter signing of Wesley by Crystal Palace.