Following the rumours from the summer window, São Paulo fullback Welington confirmed that Brentford had been interested in him.
The affirmation was made in a press conference with the U-23 national team at the weekend.
With quotes relayed by ESPN Brasil, Welington claimed that the rejected offers did not affect his current season in Brazil.
“Yes, but my focus is on São Paulo. I had offers from Brentford and Bayer Leverkusen, but I’m still thinking about my club,” said Welington.
“It’s the desire of every person our age, every teenager. Everyone wants to be in Europe.”
“It’s not too far away. Morato, João Pedro, are in Europe. It’s a dream that isn’t too far away, but I’m still thinking about São Paulo. Having a great championship, I hope there will be an opportunity for me.”
In the final days of the transfer window, it was reported that Brentford placed an offer worth €4.5m, letting São Paulo keep 30% of a future sale.
That was turned down by the Tricolor, who had no interest in losing a player in such an important part of the Brazilian season for so little.
It was then claimed that São Paulo set a €20m price for Welington’s sale, and that practically made it impossible that anyone would sign him this summer.
That’s why it was no surprise to see Brentford not coming back with a new offer.
