Flamengo is close to finalizing the sale of right-back Wesley to Roma, Italy, for 25 million euros, approximately R$ 162.6 million at the current exchange rate. The deal, expected to be completed soon, shakes up the transfer market for the Rio club and prompts a search for worthy replacements. Names like Vinicius Tobias from Shakhtar Donetsk, Gastón Martirena from Racing-ARG, Gustavo Mantuan from Zenit, and Khellven from CSKA Moscow are top priorities to strengthen the right-back position. The move comes as the team, led by Filipe Luís, prepares to face Red Bull Bragantino in the Brasileirão Betano. The urgency to reinforce the squad reflects the need to maintain competitiveness in a challenging season. The search for new players involves strategic negotiations, with the club evaluating options in the South American and European markets. Wesley’s departure, a key piece in the tactical setup, demands swift action from the board.
The club’s planning is already underway. The mid-year transfer window places Flamengo in the spotlight. Wesley’s sale, while lucrative, sparks internal debates about the ideal replacement. The chosen targets reflect a strategy to blend youth, international experience, and adaptability to the team’s playing style.
Names in focus: Vinicius Tobias, Martirena, Mantuan, and Khellven are among the favorites.
Ongoing negotiations: Advanced talks with Tobias and Mantuan.
Immediate challenge: Flamengo faces Bragantino aiming for second place.
Especulado no Flamengo, o lateral-direito Vinícius Tobias, do Shakhatar Donetsk, é considerado muito caro pelo Rubro-Negro.Por isso, a contratação do jogador de 21 anos é vista como complexa e improvável pelo clube carioca.🗞 @UOLEsporte | Mauro Cezar📸 Shakhtar Donetsk pic.twitter.com/00Hx7Aw0Wx— Planeta do Futebol 🌎 (@futebol_info) July 22, 2025
Why Wesley’s departure impacts Flamengo
Wesley’s sale to Roma for 25 million euros is one of Flamengo’s biggest deals this season. The right-back, known for his speed and defensive solidity, was a cornerstone in Filipe Luís’s system. His exit, though financially beneficial, leaves a gap at right-back, requiring immediate replacement. The Rio club has identified four names to fill the void, aiming to balance youth, international experience, and adaptability to Brazilian football.
The deal’s impact extends beyond the pitch. The board faces pressure to maintain squad balance during a competitive season. The Brasileirão Betano, with key matches like the upcoming clash against Bragantino, demands a cohesive team. The search for reinforcements is handled cautiously, prioritizing players who fit the coach’s tactical profile.
Vinicius Tobias leads the target list
Vinicius Tobias, currently at Shakhtar Donetsk, is a top name on Flamengo’s radar. The 21-year-old full-back has experience in European competitions and showed quality in friendlies, such as against Ipswich Town last year. The club considers investing around R$ 32.5 million to sign him, reflecting confidence in his potential.
Negotiations, however, are complex. Shakhtar, a Ukrainian club, faces instability due to the geopolitical situation, which could either ease or complicate the transfer. Flamengo is in advanced talks, signaling intent to close the deal quickly. Tobias’s youth and international experience make him an ideal candidate to replace Wesley.
Gastón Martirena: the South American bet
Another strong contender is Gastón Martirena from Racing, Argentina. The 24-year-old Uruguayan is known for his versatility and attacking support, traits that appeal to Flamengo’s technical staff. Martirena has won titles in Argentine football, adding experience to his resume. His signing hinges on a financial agreement with Racing, which views him as a key player.
The interest in Martirena aligns with Flamengo’s strategy of targeting South American talent. Players from the region often adapt quickly to Brazilian football, reducing transition time. Additionally, acquisition costs are typically more affordable compared to European leagues. The board sees the Uruguayan as a cost-effective option.
Player profile: Offensive full-back, strong in crossing.
Experience: Titles in Argentine football and continental competitions.
Challenge: Competition from other South American clubs.
Estimated cost: Negotiations in early stages, with no disclosed figures.
Gustavo Mantuan: reinventing as a full-back
Gustavo Mantuan, formerly of Corinthians and now at Zenit, Russia, is a surprising choice. Known as a midfielder, the 24-year-old is targeted by Flamengo to be repurposed as a right-back. According to the Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, the idea is to leverage his versatility to fill Wesley’s role. Mantuan has experience in European competitions, enhancing his profile.
Adapting to a new position requires tactical adjustments, but Flamengo trusts Filipe Luís’s ability to shape the player. Mantuan, who left Corinthians seeking opportunities abroad, may see a return to Brazil as a chance to regain prominence. Talks with Zenit are ongoing, with the Russian club open to discussing the transfer.
Khellven: returning to Brazilian football
Khellven, from CSKA Moscow, rounds out the priority list. The 24-year-old full-back, who previously shone at Athletico Paranaense, is noted for his defensive consistency and attacking support. His time in Russia has drawn interest from European clubs, but Flamengo sees his repatriation as a strategic move.
Negotiations with CSKA face hurdles, as the Russian club is known for holding onto players. Still, Khellven is a viable option, particularly due to his familiarity with Brazilian football. His return would be a significant boost for Flamengo’s squad.
Flamengo’s market strategy
The search for a new right-back reflects Flamengo’s long-term vision. Wesley’s sale, while profitable, requires immediate replacement to avoid squad imbalances. The board, led by Marcos Braz, operates with a robust budget but seeks a balance between investment and technical return.
The club prioritizes players with resale potential, like Vinicius Tobias, while also considering those ready to perform, such as Martirena and Khellven. Mantuan’s versatility offers a creative alternative. The mix of youth and experience is a cornerstone of Flamengo’s transfer strategy.
Youth focus: Players under 25 with potential for appreciation.
South American market: Priority for quick-adapting players.
International experience: Khellven and Mantuan bring European league know-how.
Tactical planning: Filipe Luís seeks full-backs who balance defense and attack.
Brasileirão preparations
While negotiations progress, Flamengo keeps its focus on the Brasileirão Betano. The match against Red Bull Bragantino, set for Wednesday at 9:30 PM, at Cícero de Souza Marques Stadium, is critical. The win in the derby against Fluminense boosted morale, but the away challenge demands full focus.
Filipe Luís, recently appointed as coach, navigates injuries and tactical adjustments. Wesley’s absence, even before his exit is official, already affects planning. The board, aware of the match’s importance, is pushing to secure reinforcements soon.
Target profiles and traits
Each player on Flamengo’s radar brings unique qualities. Vinicius Tobias is a young bet with potential to become a mainstay. Martirena offers consistency and South American experience. Khellven combines Brazilian familiarity with international exposure. Mantuan, though unconventional, could surprise with his versatility.
The final choice will depend on transfer fees, tactical fit, and deadlines. Flamengo, known for its market efficiency, aims to secure at least one signing before the transfer window closes.
Advanced negotiations
Talks for Vinicius Tobias and Gustavo Mantuan are further along, according to sources close to the club. Flamengo is pushing to finalize deals quickly to bolster the squad for key Brasileirão matches. The board maintains constant contact with the players’ representatives, avoiding public details to keep costs down.
Martirena and Khellven, while priorities, face greater resistance from their clubs. Racing sees the Uruguayan as a core player, and CSKA Moscow weighs offers from other markets. Flamengo remains confident in its ability to attract the targets.
Season expectations
Wesley’s exit and the search for replacements mark a transitional moment for Flamengo. The 2025 season, with competitions like the Brasileirão, Copa do Brasil, and Libertadores on the horizon, demands a strong, balanced squad. The board, experienced in high-stakes deals, works to keep the club competitive.
The upcoming Bragantino match tests the current roster. The demanding fanbase closely follows market moves. A new right-back could provide the spark needed to sustain Flamengo’s winning trajectory.
