Although they have shortcomings, Brighton is among the most fascinating teams in the world of football. The absence of a reliable right back is now one of the team’s main weaknesses. The Seagulls are reportedly finally preparing to deal with this issue and invest money on a right back this summer, according to RTI Esporte.
The Seagulls reportedly made a €4 million proposal for Flamengo fullback Wesley França, according to a Brazilian news source. According to the article, Brighton has included a 20% sell-on clause in the agreement.
Since making his debut with the Rubro-Negro squad the previous season, the 20-year-old has been a constant. Flamengo turned down Brighton’s offer as a result. Wesley is supposedly valued at least €8 million by Flamengo.
Brighton needs a right back badly, so we wouldn’t be shocked if they doubled their offer for Wesley. It’s unclear if Brighton is willing to pay Flamengo’s asking price.
Joel Veltman and Tariq Lamptey are Brighton’s only true right backs. De Zerbi would much rather play as an attacking fullback than as Veltman.
Lamptey is a suitable choice, but he is also unreliable due to his history of injuries and defensive flaws. Although Pascal Groß has also filled in at fullback for De Zerbi on occasion, nobody wants to see the star midfielder for the Seagulls forced to play defense.
Wesley might be the solution Brighton has been searching for to solve their fullback dilemma. The 20-year-old product of Atlético Tubarão is adept at handling the ball at his feet and feels at ease dribbling it under duress. Despite his small 5’8″ frame, Wesley has a respectable defensive game as well.
The statistics corroborate Wesley’s eye test results as well. Wesley ranks in the 79th percentile among fullbacks in the world’s top 14 leagues for effective takeaways, according to FBREF.
When it comes to pass completion, he is in the 98th percentile, touches in the opponent’s penalty area are in the 86th percentile, and progressive passes received are in the 99th percentile. Wesley ranks in the 79th percentile for tackles made on defense, the 80th for aerial duels won, and the 69th for interceptions.
Wesley was linked to Brighton during the January transfer window. There are reports that Benfica is also considering the Brazilian.
Wesley’s ability to adjust to the Premier League’s brisk pace is undoubtedly a concern, especially given his propensity for ball possession. Having said that, Wesley has a lot of potential. He’s worth taking a chance on for €8 million.
