AS Roma is once again making waves in the transfer market—this time not only because of the talent they’re targeting, but also due to the creative and unconventional approach they’re using to make the deal happen. The Serie A club is reportedly in advanced talks to secure the services of Brazilian right-back Wesley Franca, a rising star currently playing for Flamengo.
What makes this potential signing truly fascinating is that Roma isn’t acting alone. Instead, they are working in close collaboration with Premier League side Everton, leveraging the fact that both clubs are now owned by The Friedkin Group—a strategic advantage that may give Roma the upper hand over their rivals in this competitive chase.
A Unique Transfer Triangle: Flamengo, Everton, and Roma
Rather than approaching Flamengo directly with a traditional transfer offer, Roma and Everton have developed a synergistic plan that could see Everton purchase Wesley Franca outright, and then immediately loan him to Roma for the 2025–2026 season. This multi-layered transaction would allow Roma to reinforce their squad under new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, while Everton secures a promising asset on their books.
This cooperative effort between the two Friedkin-owned clubs shows a new dimension of modern football ownership—one where multi-club ownership opens the door to more flexible and creative transfer arrangements.
Wesley Franca: A Rising Star in High Demand
At just 21 years old, Wesley Franca has already made a name for himself in Brazil with consistent performances for Flamengo. His pace, technical skills, and defensive intelligence have made him a standout at right-back—a position that remains highly sought after in European football.
It’s no surprise that Roma isn’t the only club interested. Serie A rivals Juventus are also rumored to be monitoring Wesley closely. In addition, scouts from several La Liga clubs have reportedly been tracking his development, making the race for his signature increasingly intense.
Given this level of interest, Roma’s strategy to outmaneuver the competition through collaboration with Everton could prove to be a masterstroke. With Wesley’s growing reputation and long-term potential, securing him now—albeit through an indirect method—could pay dividends for both clubs in the Friedkin football empire.
Strategic Synergy Under Friedkin Ownership
The move further highlights the growing influence of The Friedkin Group in European football. Having taken ownership of AS Roma in 2020, the American consortium expanded their portfolio by acquiring Everton in December 2024. This dual ownership model allows for greater coordination, especially in matters of recruitment, player development, and financial strategy.
Under this arrangement, Roma can benefit from Everton’s Premier League buying power, while Everton gains the chance to develop young talents through competitive minutes in Serie A—essentially a win-win for both clubs.
For AS Roma, the upcoming season under Gian Piero Gasperini signals a new era. The Italian coach is known for his high-intensity, tactical discipline, and ability to mold young players. A player like Wesley—versatile, quick, and technically gifted—fits perfectly into Gasperini’s aggressive system, especially in the wing-back role.
A Smart and Bold Transfer Play
This unique transfer route, involving Everton buying Wesley and loaning him to Roma, not only demonstrates Roma’s ambition but also showcases the potential advantages of shared ownership in football. As competition for top young talent continues to intensify, the ability to execute creative and efficient transfer strategies could be what sets successful clubs apart.
If the deal is finalized, Wesley Franca will be one of the first high-profile examples of cross-club synergy under a single ownership group—and perhaps, a sign of more collaborative moves to come.
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