DREAM move for Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement revealed

Liverpool’s right-back dramas have been a defining part of this entire season.

Between the thought that Trent Alexander-Arnold could be leaving, trying to convince him to stay, dealing with his own injuries and the ‘is he the future?’ discourse surrounding Conor Bradley, the position has had more exposure than most.

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The club themselves are doing their due diligence on the right-back position, understandably, and have been linked with a whole host of names.

And a new one emerged just this week - Flamengo’s Wesley.

The 21-year old Brazilian has become a name in the South American circles, where the constant turnover has been a source of serious talent for European clubs scouting youngsters.

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But Liverpool, as ever, will face serious competition if they are to try and secure Wesley’s signature. Least of all from an old foe.

Wesley dreams of Barcelona

According to a report by Gávea News, citing Gazeta do Urubu, Wesley’s dream move would be to Spanish giants Barcelona.

And, worst of all, Barcelona are preparing to make an offer for him.

The article further cites Joaquim Piera of Sport saying Barcelona are preparing an official offer, whilst Manchester United are sniffing around as well and Russian side Zenit Saint Petersburg are willing to pay €30m (£24.8m) for the right-back’s services.

But the report also alleges that Flamengo are holding out for €35m (£28.9m) after almost agreeing a deal with Italian side Atalanta last season.

Wesley was essential to Flamengo’s output last season, playing 51 games as the Rubro-Negro won the Copa do Brasil and the Campeonato Carioca (the state championship of Rio de Janeiro), whilst finishing third in Brasileiro Serie A and reached the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores.

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And this season has already started well, with Flamengo beating Botafogo to win the Supercopa do Brasil, as well as the side having already qualified for the semi-finals of the Compeonato Carioca. The Serie A season starts at the end of March.

Flamengo are looking to keep Wesley until after the expanded Club World Cup in the summer, where they have been drawn in a group with Chelsea.

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Any deal, seemingly, will have to wait until their elimination from the competition or until after they win it. This gives Liverpool time to lay the groundwork for exactly why he should come to England over Barcelona.

It may be a tough sell. Forcing a player to forego their dreams is always a tall order, especially if Barcelona do put an offer in.

But a host of silverware this season, as well as the guarantee you would be the starting right-back, may just do it.

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