Roma begin planning January move for Endrick with loan-plus-option structure

Marten de Roon continues to command respect from his former Atalanta teammates despite fan anger at the club, which surfaced during a defeat to Cagliari on 12 September. The midfielder, now a Roma player for the past two weeks, was praised by Lazar Samardzic in the aftermath of that match. Speaking to DAZN after the game, Samardzic said: "Marten is Atalanta for us, he spent ten years here and achieved tremendous results. For us he is a legend, we wish him the best because he is an incredible person who helped so many of the boys who arrived. For us he is number one, he will always be our captain." De Roon's departure to Roma represents a significant moment for Atalanta, where he had become a cornerstone of the squad. The affection shown by current players underscores the influence he wielded during his decade at the club, even as supporters expressed their frustration with recent performances. Atalanta manager Maurizio Sarri also spoke to DAZN following the 2–1 loss to Cagliari at the New Balance Arena. He referenced Roma's 2–1 victory over Atalanta at the Olimpico in the previous round, saying: "I was worried after Bologna, in part after Roma, not certainly after the match with Cagliari. I am very disappointed by the result, but I saw a bit of light at the end of the tunnel."

Roma's transfer activity is not yet complete. Director D'Amico is already planning for January, with Endrick, the Brazilian forward at Real Madrid, emerging as a priority target. The 2006-born striker has found little playing time this season due to the fierce competition for places in Madrid's attack, and Roma see him as an ideal solution for Gasperini's requirements. Gasperini has repeatedly emphasised that the squad needs reinforcement, particularly an left-footed winger on the right flank—a position Roma failed to fill during the summer window despite the coach's request for more than a year. Endrick fits the profile of an attacking player who could provide what the Roma boss demands. D'Amico is working on a loan deal with an optional purchase clause and a counter-purchase option in Real Madrid's favour. The structure mirrors Endrick's move to Lyon in January of last year, which was arranged as a paid loan with performance-related bonuses tied to his appearances.

Marten de Roon became a Roma player on 30 August, but Atalanta supporters have not yet accepted his departure after 11 years at the club. During Atalanta's match against Cagliari on 12 September, home fans displayed a banner directed at their former captain: "You chose to pass into our history but not to belong to it... Goodbye little flag." The message echoed criticism shown during Atalanta's match against Bologna on 1 September, when supporters displayed another banner reading: "Thank you for these 11 years, it would have been nice to say goodbye in Nerazzurro. One thing is certain, another flag is lost." De Roon's switch to Roma followed his relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, the opportunity to play Champions League football, and his diminished role under Atalanta manager Sarri. Nevertheless, Bergamo's supporters have struggled to accept the Dutch midfielder's choice to join the capital club.