Roma eye two attacking reinforcements for January, with Endrick on the list

Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear that Roma need targeted signings in the next transfer window to keep pace in the title race, but the club's ownership has yet to give any explicit signal on backing him. The head coach wants at least one attacking winger and one midfielder to push for the top of the table in the second half of the season. Roma's ambition to fight for the title sits uneasily with the need to plan the January market well in advance. The squad has gaps in certain areas, namely wide players and midfield, and the January window is complex and does not allow for delays. Gasperini believes firmly in the team's potential but feels the need for timely support from the board. How much room the club has will depend on its financial dynamics and the limits imposed by Financial Fair Play rules. The case of Donyell Malen, whose move was blocked in January and later fell through after the change of coach to Emery, shows how difficult it is to add new players without shared and structured planning. Direct contact between Gasperini and Dan Friedkin has been limited so far. Day-to-day dealings have run mainly through CEO John Souloukou and sporting director Tony D'Amico. Roma have not stood still, having opened talks over several profiles, including Logkey, Leweling and Luiz Betabçur. However, the lack of formal guarantees on budgets risks causing friction. Gasperini has been clear that the club needs at least one attacking winger and one midfielder to aim high. The line has been drawn, and the owners' response in the coming weeks will be decisive in showing Roma's real ambitions for the second half of the season.

No transfer meeting has yet taken place between the ownership, sporting director Tony D'Amico and head coach Gasperini, and there is only a whisper that next week could be the right moment, with no confirmation. Il Corriere della Sera's Davide Stoppini reports that Gasperini has had no direct contact with Dan Friedkin since last April, during the chaos surrounding Ranieri, not even an exchange after the Champions League qualification. Contact with Ryan Friedkin since May has changed little. Corbin Friedkin, the youngest brother, was recently seen at the Olimpico for the match against Real Madrid. In late July the club appointed CEO John Galantic, who in practice acts as a filter but does not have wide operational authority. For all deals above 2 million euros, which is practically all of them, he needs the approval of the Friedkins. The article describes this as a paradox: the club has moved further away from Gasperini than last year, when a degree of relationship between the coach and Ryan Friedkin had formed, as seen last January. Doubts may understandably arise among those involved, and nobody knows exactly how to proceed. Roma's transfer department has not stood still and has opened talks on several fronts, but these are exploratory contacts. Logic suggests that if the ownership gave the go-ahead at the end of August for an investment, Leweling or Luiz Henrique, it will make the same decision for January. However, these remain assumptions, and even inside Trigoria only hypotheses are being discussed. January is not a straightforward month.

Roma are preparing to strengthen their attack, with Gian Piero Gasperini repeatedly calling for reinforcements. Sporting director D'Amico was clear on Saturday: "Ci manca un esterno di gamba", meaning the squad needs a winger with pace and power. The window opens earlier than usual this year, on 28 December, so planning is now focused on December. Trigoria reopens today, but no meeting is scheduled, as D'Amico is in Turin for the Social Football Summit. A decision is more likely in the coming days. The goal is two signings in attack, with other needs addressed later if the chance arises. No budget has been set. A UEFA ruling on the fine the club must pay is expected between late November and early December. The targets will be the same profile as last summer: young players on wages of no more than €4 million a season. Endrick tops the list. He wants to leave, but Mourinho would prefer to keep him, and AC Milan and Sporting CP, where former Roma coach Fonseca works, are also interested. Roma are trying to get ahead of the competition. Chelsea's Gittens is also on the list. He was a summer target but the deal collapsed in the final hours of the window. The Englishman is currently injured, and he does not feature in Xabi Alonso's plans. PSV's van Bommel and Leweling are also under consideration. Leweling came close to joining Roma, but his repeated changes of mind ended the deal. According to German media, Stuttgart are willing to accept less than €30 million for him. Daniele Aloisi reported these details in Il Messaggero.

Mario Hermoso is close to signing a new contract at Roma, with talks having begun last month and a two-year deal reportedly ready. The Spaniard has become one of Gasperini's trusted players after a difficult start to his time in the Italian capital, and his goal in Saturday's 3-0 win over Sassuolo was the latest confirmation of his value, according to Tuttosport's Stefano Gentili. Hermoso's current contract runs until 30 June 2027, after the club exercised its option to extend it last May. The club is now working to go beyond that date. Contract renewals for young players Lulli and De Marzi have already been settled, and the board is now focusing on the Spaniard. The new deal is being discussed as one or two years, with an option for a further season. The salary is expected to be lower than his current one, and both parties are keen to continue together. Signing has yet to take place. Hermoso has played 1,049 minutes so far this season across Serie A and the Champions League, with only Wesley having been used more by Roma. Gasperini, the coach from Grugliasco, has won him over on both a human and footballing level. Hermoso is reported to be fit both physically and mentally, and has rediscovered the feeling of being indispensable in the Italian capital.

Endrick has reportedly said no to AC Milan, opening the way for Roma to pursue the Real Madrid forward in the January window, according to Corriere dello Sport, which leads its front page with the story today. The Brazilian, who has been increasingly keen to find playing time away from Spain, has reportedly turned down the Rossoneri, while Tony D'Amico continues working to bring him to Gian Piero Gasperini's side. Securing the 20-year-old has become one of Roma's main targets for the winter window. Spanish daily AS reports that Endrick has become convinced he needs to leave Real Madrid temporarily to protect his development. He has played just 140 minutes in seven appearances this season, with only one start. Real Madrid's youngster is seeking regular football and continuity, a situation that mirrors last season, when a loan to Olympique Lyon brought him minutes, confidence and goals. Roma had already come close to signing him during the summer, reaching an agreement in principle with Real Madrid, before José Mourinho personally intervened to persuade Endrick to stay. That decision has not yet brought the playing time the Brazilian hoped for. Speaking yesterday from the national team camp, Endrick sent a telling message: "Voglio solo giocare, essere felice e aiutare i miei compagni di squadra. Non so cosa accadrà a gennaio, è nelle mani di Dio. Chiedo solo ciò che è meglio per la mia carriera." In English: "I just want to play, be happy and help my teammates. I don't know what will happen in January, it is in God's hands. I only ask for what is best for my career." His words carry even more weight in light of the reports from Spain. His relationship with Mourinho remains excellent, and he has repeated his gratitude to the Portuguese coach, who continues to show him great attention on a personal level. AS claims Real Madrid would be willing to consider a departure, provided they retain control over the player's future. The ideal solution for Roma remains a loan with an option to buy, a formula Corriere dello Sport also highlights on today's front page. Such a deal would let D'Amico give Gasperini a high-quality reinforcement without an immediately heavy financial outlay, given the club's economic constraints. According to AS, Real Madrid would also consider a sale with clauses allowing them to keep control over the player's future. Corriere dello Sport adds that Endrick rejected the Milan move, while D'Amico keeps working to bring him to Trigoria. Roma can also count on Wesley, who knows Endrick well and reportedly awaits him in the capital. AS also names Sporting Lisbon as a club that has reportedly already moved for Endrick, possibly through coach Paulo Fonseca, who coached the Brazilian at Lyon and reportedly asked for him to be brought to Lisbon. Portuguese papers A Bola and Record, however, say Endrick is not part of Sporting's plans, contradicting AS. Gasperini sees Endrick as a profile of great interest, capable of adding pace, unpredictability and quality to the attack. He is not a pure left winger but can offer different solutions across the front line, qualities the coach particularly values. Corriere dello Sport also stresses the forward's importance to Roma's plans and the need for a new attacking reinforcement in January. No agreements exist yet for January, and Roma continue to regard the Brazilian as one of their main targets to complete the attack.

Mario Hermoso is close to signing a new two-year contract at Roma, with the club having opened talks to tie down the Spanish centre-back. His current deal runs until 30 June 2027, a date the club reached by exercising an option to extend the agreement last May. Talks have been under way since last month, and the parties are working on an extension of one or two years, possibly with a salary adjustment that would be lower than his current wage, a sign of the strong and mutual desire to keep working together. The move marks a dramatic turnaround. On 31 January 2025, Roma loaned Hermoso to Bayer Leverkusen after just thirteen appearances and one goal, a spell that was hampered by a difficult settling-in period. His return to Trigoria and his meeting with Gian Piero Gasperini have completely reversed his fortunes. The Grugliasco-born coach has turned him into an aggressive defender who is comfortable building play from the back and valuable in the penalty area too. Hermoso has played 1,049 minutes so far this season across Serie A and the Champions League, and only Wesley has been used more by Roma. He has scored three goals in total, two in Serie A and one in Europe. Having established himself as an automatic first choice, Hermoso is now considered an indispensable part of the defence, and keeping him would provide continuity for a back line that has found in the Spaniard a crucial point of reference.

Paulo Dybala is pushing to be available for Roma's trip to Parma, but his return to full group training will be gradual. Roma resume training this afternoon at Trigoria after three days of rest granted by Gasperini, and the squad is without its 13 players on international duty. Dybala has recovered from the calf injury that kept him out of action from the Roma-Real Madrid match onwards. Mile Svilar is due to undergo fresh checks in the coming hours, which should clear the way for his return to play and the removal of the boot on his right foot. Marcus Mancini's recovery from a right hamstring strain is considered a formality, while Devyne Rensch is still recovering from an adductor injury. The update was reported by Simone Valdarchi in Il Corriere della Sera.

Roma are working on a contract extension for Mario Hermoso, with talks reportedly already under way for a deal running to 2029 with an option for 2030, according to Angelo Mangiante. Three goals this season and increasingly convincing performances have accelerated the process under Gian Piero Gasperini, with the Spaniard described as a pillar of the side. Elsewhere, Paulo Dybala's future may lie in the United States. Piero Torri reports that Inter Miami have already made contact with the Argentinian's entourage, while New York City are reportedly weighing up an offer. No agreement has been reached, but Dybala's contract, which expires in 2027, is fuelling the speculation. Roma are also looking to the January window, with Gasperini hoping for reinforcements. The club's strategy is to target a quick attacking winger, possibly on loan in the mould of Donyell Malen, while Endrick and Gittens remain under observation and Højbjerg has returned as an option for midfield. On the injury front, Mile Svilar and Dybala are aiming to return for the trip to Parma on 21 November, with Gasperini expected to regain two key players during the international break. Bryan Cristante and Gianluca Mancini are also in good shape, while Devyne Rensch remains in doubt. Lorenzo Pellegrini has decided against surgery on his tendon and will continue with conservative therapy, with his return not expected before January. Roma's Argentina international Nahuel Molina has been kept at Trigoria: the club refused Argentina's call-up after his FIFA suspension was reduced, with the invitation arriving only on Saturday during the Roma-Sassuolo match, too late for a long trip for what could be a single friendly. Lorenzo Dattilo, a left-back born in 2010, has signed a three-year contract, turning down Atletico Madrid. The former Under-17 European champion with Italy is already playing for Roma's Under-18 side. In Serie A, Roma sit third, unbeaten in the league and two points behind leaders Lazio, having scored 31 goals and conceded just ten in eleven matchdays. At Frosinone, the club is preparing a move to keep winger Kvernadze, who is being followed by Roma. According to Tuttomercatoweb, a deal worth one million euros a season, five times his current salary, is ready. Behind it sits a four-million-euro release clause, activatable from next summer, which Frosinone could seek to change.

Roma have reportedly turned down a late call-up for Nahuel Molina from Argentina after the defender was made available for one of Argentina's two upcoming friendlies. Coach Lionel Scaloni has named three Roma players for the matches against Uruguay and Costa Rica: Matías Soulé, Leonardo Balerdi and Santiago Castro. Molina, a former Atletico Madrid player, was reportedly set to be included as well after FIFA accepted an appeal and cut his suspension from seven matches to four. The call reached Roma on Saturday, during the match against Sassuolo, which was too late for the club, so Roma informed the AFA that Molina would not travel to join Argentina. Roma's squad returns to training on Wednesday. Gasperini hopes to have Mile Svilar and Paulo Dybala back in contention. Devyne Rensch is expected to return in time for the Champions League trip to face PSG. Lorenzo Pellegrini will not return until 2027.

Former Roma defender Vincent Candela has said that a return of Francesco Totti to the club's management would make Roma even stronger, and that Gian Piero Gasperini can bring the Scudetto back to Trigoria. Speaking to La Repubblica, Candela said: "Ormai io e Francesco siamo anche compagni di penna. Spero di rivederlo presto nel club, che quest'anno lotterà per lo scudetto fino alla fine. Con Totti, sono sicuro che la Roma diventerebbe ancora più forte." Candela refused to accept that Roma should settle for second place. He praised Gasperini as a "special" coach and said he was convinced the manager could deliver the title, but he stressed that the race would go to the end against Inter, whom he described as a stronger and better-balanced side than Roma. Asked whether he would play for Roma again if he could, Candela said: "Giocare nella Roma di Gasperini sarebbe un sogno. Sono convinto che farei il titolare." On Roma's recurring problem of late collapses, especially in Europe, he said: "Come dice il tecnico, è importante allargare la rosa, ma è fisiologico perdere contro Real Madrid e Manchester United. La Roma non è ancora pronta per fronteggiare alla pari le grandi del calcio europeo." Finally, asked which player brings back his memories of playing, Candela pointed to Paulo Dybala: "Ogni volta che Dybala tocca il pallone mi batte il cuore e ringiovanisco. Paulo andrebbe proclamato patrimonio mondiale del calcio."

Gian Piero Gasperini regards Paulo Dybala as Roma's strongest player, saying: "Paulo è la chiave per puntare più in alto" — Paulo is the key to aiming higher. The coach added that at 32 the Argentine is in the prime of his maturity and is among the very best, if not the best, in Serie A today. Yet Dybala's involvement has been shrinking. He has made 6 Serie A appearances out of 11 this season, against 22 last season and 24 two seasons ago. The minutes tell the same story. Dybala played 1,417 Serie A minutes in 2024-25 (the equivalent of 15.7 matches), 1,354 minutes last season (15 matches), and 492 minutes so far this season (5.4 matches). Writing in Il Messaggero, Stefano Carina notes that for the first time in four years Roma no longer depend on the Joya in attack. Without Paulo, the team have scored 23 goals in 7 matches, including cup games, against 16 in 8 with him. Dybala's last goal came on 18 January. The absence has given more room to Rodrigo Mora. The Portuguese plays regularly on the left, with Matías Soulé on the right. He first came on as a substitute against Real and Genoa, and has now started against Manchester and Sassuolo. He already has 4 Serie A goals. Carina says the comparison with Dybala is both unfair and unavoidable, but the numbers can cut both ways. In just six matches Dybala has become the league's top player for expected assists (3.42), second for big chances created (8) and third for key passes (4).

Paulo Dybala is pushing to be available for Roma's trip to Parma, but his return to full group training will be gradual. Roma resume training this afternoon at Trigoria after three days of rest granted by Gasperini, and the squad is without its 13 players on international duty. Dybala has recovered from the calf injury that kept him out of action from the Roma-Real Madrid match onwards. Mile Svilar is due to undergo fresh checks in the coming hours, which should clear the way for his return to play and the removal of the boot on his right foot. Marcus Mancini's recovery from a right hamstring strain is considered a formality, while Devyne Rensch is still recovering from an adductor injury. The update was reported by Simone Valdarchi in Il Corriere della Sera.