Roma target left-back upgrades: Udogie, Cacciamani and Luis Henrique in frame; Endrick remains on radar

Lionel Messi has included Porto talent Rodrigo Mora in his curated list of ten emerging talents, offering a significant endorsement as Roma prepare a move for the young player. The selection was announced in October 2025 as part of Messi's collaboration with Adidas, titled "Messi +10 - Season 2". The campaign featured the Argentine legend shuffling playing cards and laying them on a table, with narration explaining the selection process: "The perfect hand... everything begins with the deck. Nothing is left to chance. Every card is taken into account and a true master knows how to select them. A complete hand of aces, the perfect 10. This is how you choose the future of the game." Rodrigo Mora's card appeared among the ten selections. Mora could arrive at Roma in the coming days to join Gian Piero Gasperini's squad, though not all supporters have yet been convinced of his qualities. The "Messi +10" initiative celebrates a new generation of players who see the game differently, driven by the same creative spark that defined Messi's two-decade career at Barcelona. The list includes peers such as Nico Paz and Mika Godts—all sponsored by Adidas. Notably, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, also an Adidas athlete, was omitted, suggesting Messi views him as an established talent rather than an emerging prospect.

Rodrigo Mora's transfer is nearing completion, but head coach Gasperini has reiterated his need for reinforcements across the squad. In talks yesterday with sporting director Tony D'Amico, Gasperini stressed the requirement for two attackers and a left winger to complete the team. Mora, the 19-year-old Portuguese forward represented by Jorge Mendes, fits the profile Gasperini requested—an attacker with similar characteristics to Paulo Dybala, to be deployed on the left. Roma will pay Porto €25 million, with the Portuguese club retaining 50% of any future sale, a clause that can be cancelled by paying an additional €25 million by 2027. With Mora progressing, Roma's focus shifts to securing a left winger. Tottenham's Udogie remains the strongest candidate, though negotiations centre on the structure of the deal and the potential departure of Spence to Inter. Luis Henrique of Inter has recently emerged as an alternative; Inter values him at €30 million and Roma is studying a loan deal with a right of purchase. Cacciamani of Torino also remains a target, with Torino willing to lower their asking price to €15 million.

Roma is closing in on signing Rodrigo Mora from Porto in what would be the club's fourth summer acquisition. Head coach Gasperini has long sought a player to fill the wide role, and the club is confident Mora, a 2007-born talent naturally a number 10, can be repositioned on the flank. Sporting director D'Amico has tabled €45 million, structured in a creative format designed to limit the immediate financial impact on the club's balance sheet. In-principle agreement has been reached and Jorge Mendes is overseeing the fine details. Mora will sign a five-year contract with an escalating wage structure, earning approximately €2 million net per season on average. The move comes as Gasperini continues to reshape his squad following his appointment last season. Roma remains active in the market, pursuing Cacciamani from Torino as a secondary winger option; the young fullback has experience as a wing-back from his youth career. Luis Henrique, surplus to requirements at Inter, has been offered but has not yet attracted serious interest. Tottenham has declined a loan-with-purchase-option arrangement for Udogie. If Soulé departs, Roma will reportedly attempt to sign Endrick, though Real Madrid is said to be determined to keep the Brazilian.