How Emerson Royal’s collapsed Besiktas transfer helps Roma

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Peter Young | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 5:02 PM ET

Emerson Royal had been on the verge of sealing a move from Milan to Besiktas, but now looks set to return to his native Brazil to play for Flamengo instead, which might come to help Roma in the immediate future.

Reports from various outlets on Wednesday claimed that Emerson Royal was on the verge of sealing a final agreement to join Besiktas, one year after he left Tottenham to join Milan.

However, a last-minute hijack attempt from Flamengo left Besiktas ready to walk away from the deal. Updates on Wednesday evening claim that Flamengo are in talks with both Milan and Emerson Royal over a potential fee and personal terms.

How the Emerson Royal transfer debacle helps Roma

Inadvertently, Emerson joining Flamengo instead of Besiktas could also come to help Roma in their attempts to close a deal for Wesley Franca.

Wesley, also a Brazilian right-back, currently at Flamengo, has an agreement in place over a €2.5m per season contract with Roma, who have an offer of €25m plus €5m in bonuses on the table.

Despite being close to an agreement for some time, Roma have struggled to close the deal, and it is understood that Flamengo have been reluctant to release Wesley until a replacement right-back is lined up.

If a deal between Milan, Flamengo and Emerson Royal comes off, Roma could finally be able to bring Wesley over to the Stadio Olimpico.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: