Where could this Roma side go with a major signing in January? It is a question that excites the imagination of the fans, fuels Gasperini’s thoughts and keeps sporting director D’Amico busy. The answer is ambitious: the Scudetto.
A dream that could turn into a concrete objective if the club manages to provide the coach with the reinforcements he has requested. A mission that will also depend on the next meeting with Ryan Friedkin, who is expected in the capital in the coming days to discuss transfer market strategies.
The name that generates the most excitement is Endrick...
The Brazilian has opened the door to the possibility of leaving Real Madrid in January, tired of a lack of playing time that does not allow him to express his talent. In the league, he has made just one start and three other appearances lasting 4, 5 and 6 minutes. In the Champions League, after his half-hour of prominence at the Olimpico (which captivated him with its enthusiasm and passion), during which he scored and provided an assist, he played just 2 minutes against Leipzig and 23 against AEK Athens. Far too little for a 20-year-old who wants to develop by playing.
His words send a rather clear message: "I am only 20 years old, so I will see how things develop," he told the Brazilian media. "I just want to play, be happy and help my team-mates. I don't know what will happen in January; it is in God's hands. I am simply asking for what is best for my career. Whatever is meant to happen will happen. I will keep my feet on the ground and continue to give my absolute best. Madrid is a wonderful city, but I will always do everything necessary to move my career forward."
An elegant but unmistakable request: Endrick wants playing time and continuity, even away from Madrid.
Roma are in the picture...
Roma is already a destination that appeals to him, dating back to last summer. The Brazilian would have the opportunity to start regularly, Wesley has spoken very highly of the Giallorossi environment and is putting pressure on him to convince him completely, while Ancelotti would also like to see him at a team capable of guaranteeing him regular playing time.
Not to mention Gasperini's style of play, which is particularly suited to his characteristics. There is also a personal motivation: as a deeply religious person, Rome is being considered partly because it has numerous places of worship and communities belonging to the various denominations of the Evangelical movement.
Milan have shown interest in the player, but at the moment, the possibility of a move to the Rossoneri does not appear particularly advanced. This is also because, "as an athlete of Christ", he would prefer a club without a 'demonic' nickname.
This is genuinely one of the considerations the Brazilian is making when choosing his next destination.
Meanwhile, contacts between Roma and his representatives at Trigoria have never stopped. Roma have been working behind the scenes since last summer to convince Los Blancos and try to put together a loan deal, also including an option to buy and a counter-option to buy him back.
The others...
That strengthening the wide attacking positions is a priority was also confirmed by D’Amico before the match against Sassuolo: "In terms of characteristics, we are missing a wide player with pace and the ability to drive forward on the counter-attack. So we will certainly look for and assess the opportunities in the January transfer market", as relayed via Corriere dello Sport today.
This provides a precise indication of the characteristics of the reinforcement Gasperini is waiting for.
At the same time, the management are also assessing other options: Zenit's Luiz Henrique, Leweling, Gittens, who is also being followed by Napoli, Frosinone's Kvernadze, more with a view to the summer, Betis' Rodrigo Riquelme, who was already approached by Ghisolfi during his time at Atletico Madrid, and Flamengo's Samuel Lino, a name being mentioned in Brazil.
But the priority has one name: Endrick. A talent who could add quality, pace and unpredictability to the Giallorossi attack. And perhaps turn the Scudetto dream into an even more realistic ambition.
