Wesley Franca is the latest player to join AS Roma but who exactly is he and what clubs did the Giallorossi beat to his signature?
New head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has welcomed four other additions to the Stadio Olimpico since taking over. The first was Moroccan midfielder Neil El Aynaoui.
The 24-year-old moved to the capital for a fee of €24million from Lens. Next through the door was Evan Ferguson who joined from Brighton on a season-long loan.
Gasperini then welcomed two new goalkeepers to the club. The first was Polish stopper Radoslaw Zelezny before Devis Vasquez signed on the dotted line after he left Milan earlier this summer after the expiry of his contract.
✍️ Wesley is a new Roma player! 🐺
📄 https://t.co/Ulrcg9yvQu#ASRoma pic.twitter.com/5HuQ4AhwEC
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) July 28, 2025
Who Is Wesley Franca?
Wesley Franca – or simply Wesley – is a 21-year-old Brazilian right-back who most recently played for Flamengo. He has also represented the Selecao national side on two occasions.
Wesley has finally signed for Roma after a lengthy pursuit from the Giallorossi. Gian Piero Gasperini was keen to acquire the pacey full-back at all costs.
The former Atalanta head coach did not want to withdraw from negotiations with the Rubro-Negro so easily. Despite their hefty and lucrative demands.
Wesley has often been compared to the legendary Cafu and Gasperini believes he has all the attributes that will fit his attacking style of play. The player offers many attacking qualities and is extremely lethal on the counter.
How Much Did Wesley Franca Cost?
Wesley Franca joined Roma for an initial fee of €25m with a further €5m to be paid in bonuses. He has penned a five-year deal with the club and will wear the No. 43 shirt.
Wesley made over 100 appearances for Flamengo and represented the Brazilian Serie A side at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
He has two Brazil caps and made his debut during the Selecao’s 2-1 win against Colombia in March earlier this year. He also played the whole 90 minutes in the 4-1 defeat to Argentina in the same month.
The signing of Wesley means the Giallorossi have now spent over €50m this window. He will be in line to make his non-competitive debut against Cannes on July 31.
What Other Clubs Were Interested In Wesley Franca?
Now that Wesley Franca has signed for Roma, Serie A betting sites have shortened the price on Gian Piero Gasperini’s side to finish in the top four in 2025-26.
The hugely popular right-back had a long list of suitors who were all vying for his signature. Hence why sportsbooks believe the Giallorossi are primed for a strong campaign.
English Premier League sides Brighton, Chelsea, Everton and Man City were all linked with Wesley this summer. As were Juventus and Milan.
German champions Bayern Munich had also shown an interest but ultimately, Wesley opted to move to Rome. He will become the 46th Brazilian to represent I Lupi.
