Benfica's negotiations to sign Wesley from Al-Nassr: terms and financial demands
With the winter transfer market heating up, all eyes are on the Saudi capital, Riyadh, where intense negotiations are taking place behind the scenes that could reshape the future of one of the most promising young talents in the Saudi Professional League. The spotlight is on young Brazilian winger Wesley , a player for Al-Nassr, who has become a prime target for several prestigious European clubs, while the Al-Nassr management is striving to maintain the team's stability.
Benfica and Mourinho: A strong desire to sign the Brazilian talent
Portuguese media reports have revealed serious moves by Benfica, at the direct recommendation of veteran coach José Mourinho, to secure the services of Brazilian winger Wesley. "The Special One" sees the young player as a key asset capable of significantly enhancing his attacking plans in the second half of the season, given his speed and exceptional individual skill.
General context: Saudi Arabia's talent attraction strategy
These negotiations come at a time when the Saudi Professional League is undergoing a major strategic shift, no longer focusing solely on attracting seasoned international stars, but also on young talents (under 21) like Wesley. This trend makes letting go of such players a complex matter for Saudi club management, who view them as a long-term investment, both technically and financially, thus increasing the league's market value and attracting the attention of European club scouts.
Contractual immunity and Al-Nasr's financial demands
Al-Nassr holds a significant advantage in these negotiations: the player's contract extends until 2028, giving the club's negotiators considerable flexibility and allowing them to proceed cautiously. According to sports journalist Bruno Andrade, writing for maisfutebol , Al-Nassr's management has set a minimum price of between 10 and 15 million euros to even begin discussions about the player's departure—a figure that reflects the player's value to the club.
Sadio Mane's obstacle and the technical calculations
Despite progress in financial negotiations, a tactical obstacle has emerged that could delay or derail the deal. Sources indicate that Al-Nassr's coaching staff is averse to letting Wesley go at this time, citing the absence of Senegalese star Sadio Mane, who is currently representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations. This absence leaves a void on the wing, making Wesley's presence crucial to ensuring the team's attacking balance during this critical period of the season.
Expected impact of the deal
If this deal goes through, it will be further confirmation of the quality of talent attracted by the Saudi league and its ability to export players to top European clubs. However, it seems that Al-Nassr's management is currently prioritizing the team's technical interests over any financial considerations, adhering to its conditions to ensure the team's chances of competing for domestic and continental titles are not affected.
