Wesley, Flamengo’s rising star, has become one of the hottest names on Juventus’ transfer radar this summer. But as interest intensifies from both Juventus and Roma, Flamengo’s sporting director José Boto has sent a clear message to all suitors: the Brazilian club will not let their young full-back go for a cut-rate fee.
“Twenty Million Is Not Enough—At Least Thirty”
Addressing the swirling rumours, Boto clarified Flamengo’s stance in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport:
“Officially, there is nothing, while unofficially… But twenty million is not enough as I hear people say, at least thirty. Wesley is ready for Europe. We’ll see after the World Cup, but we are not obliged to sell him.”
“For Winning, I’d Choose Conte—But De Zerbi Is a Genius”
Boto also took the opportunity to discuss his admiration for European coaches, revealing who he would choose if Flamengo’s bench became vacant:
“If my coach went to Europe, who would I take? For winning, I’d choose Conte. But for Flamengo’s style, the ideal would be De Zerbi, whom I met at Shakhtar: he’s a genius. But I hope Filipe Luis stays: he sleeps little and works a lot like De Zerbi but is calmer.”
“Ancelotti Is Perfect for the Seleção”
Turning to the national team, Boto expressed his respect for Carlo Ancelotti, who is set to take over as Brazil’s head coach:
“Carlo has a European mentality, but he respects the football culture and Brazilian players—he is perfect for the Seleção.”
“For What We Need, I’d Think of Vlahovic—Never Say Never”
When asked which player he would like to bring to Flamengo, Boto surprised many by naming Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic:
“For what we need now, I’d think of Vlahovic. The problem wouldn’t be the money, but convincing the big players to come to Brazil. In football, never say never…”
