It has long been understood that Trent Alexander-Arnold is likely to leave Liverpool in the summer when his contract expires in June
His expected destination is Real Madrid who have made their intentions clear all season that he is their main recruitment priority in order to replace Dani Carvajal in the long-term.
As such, despite having Conor Bradley who can step up straight away, Liverpool are looking at players they could bring in to replace Alexander-Arnold in the long-term and it seems a target as been identified
Brazilian news outlet UOL are reporting that Liverpool are keeping a close eye on Flamengo’s right-back Wesley and have been watching him over the last year, perhaps in anticipation of situation that the club finds itself in with Trent
Wesley – Liverpool latest right-back target
The 21-year-old is one of the hottest talents in South America right now, playing his football regularly for Flamengo as the team’s right-back
Across the Brazilian’s short career so far, he has only ever featured for two teams – starting off at Tubarao-SC in the youth system, before transferring to Flamengo’s academy in 2021, and just a few years later, he broke into the first team.
His professional debut for Mengao back in January 2023 and just 18 months later, he signed a new contract with the club to keep him tied down until 2028
However, he has now started to make waves with European clubs who have sent scouts out to look at him, and it is plausible that Liverpool could target him to replace Alexander-Arnold.
While his speciality is playing at right back, he has also got experience as a right-midfielder and as such, it will be no surprise to know that he likes to drive forward on the pitch.
In FBref’s scouting report on the youngster, which compares him to other full-backs over the last year, he ranks highly in terms of shot-creating actions, progressive carries, successful take-ons, tackles, interceptions, blocks and aerial duels won.
Might that kind of profile sound similar to anyone in particular?
It is understood by ESPN, that a bid of around ยข30m might be enough to persuade him to move to Liverpool, although the current reports suggest that Barcelona is his dream destination.
Of course, the ideal scenario for the Reds this summer will be that Trent extends his contract a the club, so that a replacement is needed to be signed, but with him increasingly likely to leave, it seems as though investment in a new right-back is inevitable.
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Bradley will hope to prove to Liverpool that he can successfully take over the reigns of the position, but it would be reckless to enter the 2025/26 season with just one right-back. Wesley would be the perfect addition to the team, adding some extra dynamism to Arne Slot’s side.