Roma chase Brazilian prospects while United eye River keeper
Roma and Manchester United are both busy this transfer window, the Italian club eyeing two Brazilian forwards while the English side has turned its attention to a young Argentine goalkeeper. At the same time, Barcelona’s pursuit of Josko Gvardiol collapsed after the defender chose to remain in Inglaterra, highlighting how player intent can derail even the most determined clubs.
Barcelona’s failed Gvardiol move
Barcelona monitored Josko Gvardiol, the 24‑year‑old defender of Manchester City, throughout the last transfer window. The Catalan side and Hansi Flick praised his versatility, noting his ability to play both centre‑back and left‑back with strong ball‑play and physicality. However, the Croatian announced his desire to stay in Inglaterra, publicly lauding Enzo Maresca, City’s new coach, as the right man to lead the team.
The player’s decision was confirmed on 28 July when Manchester City announced a contract extension for Gvardiol until 2031, adding three years to his previous deal. Barcelona therefore closed the window without securing a defender, even after Ronald Araújo departed on loan to Liverpool.
Brazilian targets for Roma and United’s Argentine goalkeeper
In Italia, Roma have kept Endrick and Luiz Henrique on their radar for the January window. Endrick, the 19‑year‑old Brazilian forward, has seen limited minutes at Real Madrid – just four minutes across four appearances this season – and Mourinho blocked a loan move earlier in the campaign. Coach Gasperini believes the striker would add quality to the Giallorossi, though a change in Mourinho’s stance is required.
Luiz Henrique, a 25‑year‑old winger from Zenit, also remains of interest. Roma previously offered up to €43 million in the summer, but the Russian club rejected the bid. The interest persists despite the earlier setback.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have entered the race for Santiago Beltrán, the 21‑year‑old River Plate goalkeeper. TyC Sports report that United could negotiate a transfer in January 2027 for around €15 million, as Beltrán’s contract runs only until December 2028, easing a potential move.
Portuguese forward João Félix, currently at Al Nassr, has declared his wish to return to Europa, naming Barcelona as his favourite destination. In an interview with AS, the 26‑year‑old said he wants to compete again in the Champions League and is prepared to reduce his salary to facilitate a move.