Everton owner Dan Friedkin
(Credit: Imago)
Niall Togher
Tue 8 July 2025 8:20, UK
Wesley could have been the transfer story of the summer at Everton and Roma.
David Moyes is keen to strengthen his defence this summer, particularly after missing out on a deal for Fulham right-back Kenny Tete after an early agreement.
The Toffees seem to have identified their man for the left, with World Cup winner Nicolas Tagliafico close to signing for the Merseyside outfit.
However, Flamengo star Wesley could have been signed by the Blues, and never seen.
Kenny Tete
Everton narrowly missed out on signing Tete (Credit: Imago)
Everton unlikely to sign Wesley
Douglas Luiz has been one of the players linked with a move to Everton ahead of their first season in the Hill Dickinson stadium.
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However, it is a controversial move for another Brazilian who will have left supporters scratching their heads.
Previous reports stated that The Friedkin Group wanted to use Everton as a feeder club to sign Wesley, only to send the player to Roma, who are also owned by the Americans.
A new twist has emerged from Italy, though.
Corriere dello Sport has reported in its print edition (pg 14, 8 July) that this will no longer be the case, and if Roma buy Wesley, then it will be done with only their resources, with the deal currently abandoned.
Everton were said to have bid around £21.5million for the South American, but that wasn’t accepted, with the Friedkins making a U-turn.
Wesley Franca
Wesley looks unlikely to make the move to Everton (Credit: Imago)
Moyes will be furious with Wesley transfer saga
Jake O’Brien was used as a utility option on the right last season, with Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson both hit hard by injuries again.
With Ashley Young also moving on after his contract expired, new signings are needed.
Wesley is a player that Moyes may have fancied using himself, but the Scotsman seemingly wouldn’t have had the option.
If the Friedkins are prepared to bid large money for a player that Everton wouldn’t have even been able to use, then Moyes will be hoping for the same amount of cash, if not more, to be available to him.
If this is not the case, then Moyes will be questioning the ownership for their perceived favouritism of Roma and not Everton.
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