Roma director Tony D'Amico has flown to Madrid to request loans for Real Madrid forwards Endrick and Franco Mastantuono, aiming to reinforce a Champions League squad operating under a tight transfer budget. Fiorentina remain a rival for Mastantuono, but Roma are pitching European minutes and top-level exposure to win the race for both youngsters.
Roma pursue Endrick and Mastantuono loans from Real Madrid
Roma have launched a direct bid to Real Madrid for two young forwards — Endrick and Franco Mastantuono — with director Tony D'Amico traveling to Madrid to advance loan talks.
The club, newly back in the Champions League, is constrained by a limited transfer budget and sees short-term loans as the fastest route to competitive reinforcements.
Why Roma are targeting loans
Roma's Champions League qualification raised expectations, but financial limits leave little room for permanent signings. A double-loan approach addresses immediate needs: adding attacking depth without large outlays while offering young talents guaranteed minutes at European level. This is a pragmatic strategy that prioritizes squad readiness over expensive long-term commitments.
Endrick: profile and practicality
Endrick, 20, is a high-potential Brazilian already on Real Madrid's books after a significant transfer from Palmeiras in 2024. He spent the past six months on loan at Lyon and remains a player Real want to develop with regular minutes outside the Bernabéu. Roma offer Champions League exposure and a platform for consistent starts — an attractive proposition if development is Madrid’s priority.
Mastantuono: competing interests and constraints
Franco Mastantuono is seen as a talent Real Madrid prefer to loan within Europe, limiting options in South America. Fiorentina have emerged as strong contenders for his services, but Roma can counter with the lure of Champions League participation and a clearer pathway to first-team minutes. That competitive dynamic will shape negotiations in the coming days.
What this means for Roma and Real Madrid
For Roma, securing either player would be a coup: instant quality additions without overextending the wage bill. It would also signal a sharper transfer strategy — leveraging loans to bridge the gap between ambition and financial reality. For Real Madrid, loaning both would fit a development model that prioritizes match exposure, yet it requires trust that Roma will provide appropriate minutes and an environment conducive to growth.
Implications for squad planning
If Roma land Endrick, the attack gains youthful versatility and a forward with high ceiling potential. Mastantuono would add another dynamic option, particularly useful across multiple competitions. Conversely, failure to secure either could force Roma back into the market for less optimal or more costly alternatives.
Next steps and likely outcomes
Negotiations will pivot on assurances over playing time, loan duration and recall clauses. Real Madrid will weigh developmental benefits against squad needs; Roma must balance persuasive sporting promises with financial viability.
Bologna take a low-risk punt on Artem Dovbyk — season loan with €18m option after Castro deal
Expect a short, intense window of bargaining where Champions League football could be Roma’s strongest bargaining chip.
Football Italia
