November 12
Roma is pushing to secure a significant signing from Real Madrid during the upcoming winter transfer window, while simultaneously stepping back from a potential move for a Barcelona player.
In recent times, numerous reports have suggested that Roma is interested in acquiring Alejandro Balde from Barcelona this winter.
However, although Balde may be open to a departure, Roma might not be his next destination.
Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, an expert on the transfer market, analyzed the Barcelona player's situation, noting that Balde is not receiving the playing time he expected and is now considering a move during the upcoming winter window.
He stated: "Balde could leave Barcelona in January; he is increasingly open to an exit. It is clear that he is not guaranteed a starting spot—he is neither getting playing time nor a prominent role. The player is considering this very seriously."
Moretto also addressed the reports linking the player to Roma, saying: "Balde’s name has been connected to an Italian club—Roma—and I am well aware of that... but Roma has other priorities."
He emphasized that "Roma’s priority is to sign forwards, not defenders," meaning the Italian club has different targets in the transfer market beyond Balde.
Endrick among Roma’s priorities
Real Madrid star Endrick is one of the targets currently on Roma’s radar. The Brazilian forward could also potentially leave in January, and Moretto believes that his departure is becoming increasingly likely. He stated: "I believe Endrick has not yet fully made up his mind about whether to stay or leave, though it seems to me that his departure is the more likely outcome."
This situation contrasts with the stance of Real Madrid manager José Mourinho.
The journalist explained: "Although Mourinho consistently emphasizes Endrick’s importance and the need for him to stay, the decision depends largely on what Real Madrid wants—but in this specific case, it depends even more on what Endrick himself wants."
He added: "Personally, based on a combination of information and intuition, I believe he will leave."
Regarding potential destinations, Moretto pointed to an Italian club as the frontrunner: "Roma is the best-positioned option, but Inter is also interested, as are several teams from the English Premier League."
Furthermore, the journalist highlighted the role Carlo Ancelotti might play in the Brazilian player's decision.
"Ancelotti will offer him some advice," he said, before revealing details about the Real Madrid manager's position: "What I can confirm 100% is that when Mourinho stated that Endrick would definitely stay, I discovered that this would not be the case."
According to previous reports, the Brazilian forward has attracted interest from several European clubs—most notably Roma and Sporting CP—as the winter transfer window approaches. This comes as it has become increasingly difficult for him to continue the season at his current pace, having logged only 140 minutes across seven matches, with just one start—against Sevilla.
