Rome Transfer Market: The Giallorossi Are on a Roll—An Unexpected Name for the Wing
Roma is stepping up its transfer activity, and in recent hours has turned its attention to an unexpected name: Luiz Henrique, the Brazilian attacking winger from Zenit St. Petersburg. The Giallorossi consider him a player capable of bringing unpredictability, drive, and quality in one-on-one situations—qualities that Gasperini believes are essential to filling the gaps on the right wing.
Luiz Henrique shares a similar name with another Giallorossi target for the right flank, Inter’s Luis Henrique, whose name, incidentally, has never been crossed off sporting director Tony D’Amico’s list. The Brazilian from Zenit, however, seems inclined to make a move immediately: according to Sky Sport, Roma is ready to put together a financially viable deal, aided by the player’s desire to test himself in a major league like Serie A.
Roma is evaluating costs, terms, and room for maneuver, aware that Luiz Henrique represents a concrete opportunity to strengthen the wing. At the same time, the club has finalized negotiations with Marseille for Leonardo Balerdi, who is set to join the Giallorossi in the coming hours. The Italian-Argentine defender is leaving OM—where he had also become captain—after five years and 200 appearances.
The deal will be finalized as a paid loan of one million with an option to buy for 20 million, which will become mandatory upon the fulfillment of certain conditions. This is a targeted reinforcement for Gasperini’s defense, as he had indicated the need to add a reliable and physically imposing defender.
The Franck Kessié situation also remains open, with Roma continuing to monitor him closely. The midfielder has turned down the opportunity to join Juventus—a decision that has shifted the balance of the transfer market and could, indirectly, work in the Giallorossi’s favor should any openings arise in the coming hours. Roma has not yet made a move, but considers Kessié an ideal fit to add physicality, attacking runs, and leadership to the midfield.
