Roma have turned their attention to Luiz Henrique, a 25-year-old Brazilian winger at Zenit, in the final days of the transfer window. The move marks a significant shift in the club's strategy, as Henrique's profile differs markedly from the left-footed right-winger Roma pursued throughout the summer.
A product of Fluminense, Henrique spent two seasons at Betis in Spain before his breakthrough came in 2024 when he returned to Brazil to join Botafogo. There he enjoyed his best season, winning both the Brasileirão and Copa Libertadores while establishing himself as a key player for the side. His performances earned him recognition as South America's best player of the year and a Brazil call-up. In January 2025, Zenit signed him for approximately €35 million.
Henrique is a powerful, quick winger who excels in one-on-one duels and can create numerical superiority during attacking moves. His natural position is on the right flank, where he likes to receive the ball wide, take on defenders and cut onto his left foot. At Zenit, he has also played on the left with good results, though this represents an adaptation from his strongest attributes. However, he is not a prolific goalscorer and has never reached the 15–20 goals-per-season returns expected of a top attacking talent. While Gasperini's preference for powerful, physically imposing wingers may suit Henrique's profile, there remains uncertainty about where exactly he would be deployed in Roma's system. The left-winger position he could occupy would see him, as a left-footer, tend more naturally towards the byline or combination play rather than cutting inside toward goal—a quality Roma had prioritized in other targets.
The pursuit of Henrique may reflect a market compromise rather than a strategic shift. With the transfer window closing, Roma must balance technical characteristics against availability, cost and feasible terms. If their ideal profile remains unattainable at desired costs, the club must broaden its options.
Testo Originale / Source Text
“Il nome di Luiz Henrique è piombato improvvisamente sul mercato della Roma a pochi giorni dalla chiusura. E per molti tifosi la prima domanda è stata inevitabile: chi è?
Brasiliano, 25 anni, 1,82 di altezza, Luiz Henrique è un esterno offensivo mancino, potente fisicamente e particolarmente forte…”
Read the full article in Italian at GialloRossi.net.
