Roma Keep Winter Transfer Plans Alive as Carlos Forbs Emerges as an Alternative
Roma are already looking ahead to the next winter transfer window, with the club still searching for the attacking reinforcement Gian Piero Gasperini wanted during the summer. The coach has repeatedly highlighted the need for more pace and invention in the final third, but the player he hoped to add never arrived. As a result, Roma’s recruitment team is continuing to explore options ahead of January.
The Italian side’s pursuit of Brazilian prospect Endrick remains one of the most ambitious possibilities. However, competition for the forward is intense, and any move would depend on several factors, including his club situation, the player’s preferences and the terms available. Roma are therefore keeping other names in view rather than relying on a single transfer target. Among the alternatives under consideration is Club Brugge winger Carlos Forbs.
Why Roma Still Want Another Attacker
Gasperini’s request for an additional attacking player reflects the demands of his approach. His teams are expected to press aggressively, move the ball forward quickly and create danger through energetic runs and direct play. That style can place heavy physical demands on wide attackers, making depth important across a long season.
Roma also need options who can change the shape of a match. A quick winger can stretch a compact defence, offer an outlet during counterattacks and create space for teammates by drawing defenders away from central areas. If the team lacks that profile, opponents may find it easier to crowd the middle and limit Roma’s most dangerous combinations.
Adding another attacker would not automatically solve every problem, but it could give Gasperini more flexibility. A new signing might compete for a starting role, provide cover during injuries and suspensions, or offer a different tactical option when Roma need to chase a result. The club’s winter transfer planning appears focused on finding a player who can contribute immediately while also fitting its longer-term sporting plans.
Endrick Remains an Ambitious Transfer Pursuit
Roma’s continued interest in Endrick underlines the club’s desire to pursue high-upside talent. The Brazilian forward has attracted significant attention, and that reputation makes any potential transfer difficult. Roma would have to contend with rival clubs, financial considerations and the player’s own career priorities before a deal could become realistic.
For a club planning a January transfer, timing is another challenge. A mid-season move can be complicated by registration rules, contract arrangements and the reluctance of a selling club to lose a valuable player halfway through its campaign. Even when interest is genuine, negotiations may take time and depend on circumstances that Roma cannot control.
That uncertainty helps explain why the club is reportedly keeping alternative targets on its list. A transfer strategy built around several possibilities is generally more practical than one that depends entirely on a single high-profile name. It also gives Roma a better chance of responding quickly if the market changes or an opportunity becomes available.
Carlos Forbs Offers a Different Profile
Carlos Forbs, currently with Club Brugge, is one possible alternative. The winger represents a different kind of target from Endrick, and his name points to Roma’s interest in players capable of operating in wide attacking areas. His pace and willingness to take on defenders could make him useful in a system that values forward movement and pressure on opposing back lines.
A wide player can contribute in several ways beyond scoring goals. Forbs could be assessed for his ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas, deliver passes from the flank and create opportunities in one-on-one situations. His suitability would also depend on how well he performs without possession, since Gasperini’s teams require attackers to work hard when pressing and recovering the ball.
Any potential move would still require careful evaluation. Roma would need to consider the player’s role at Brugge, the club’s willingness to negotiate, the transfer fee and whether a January switch would provide the right conditions for his development. A move could also involve a loan or other arrangement, though no specific deal structure has been established in the available information.
What Roma’s Transfer Prediction Depends On
At this stage, it is too early to make a firm prediction about which attacker Roma will pursue—or whether the club will complete a signing at all. The Endrick interest appears ambitious, while Forbs offers another name for the recruitment team to consider. The final decision is likely to depend on availability, cost, squad needs and Gasperini’s assessment of the players already at his disposal.
Roma’s position in the league and its performance in other competitions could also shape the club’s priorities. A demanding schedule may increase the need for additional depth, particularly if injuries or fatigue affect the forward line. On the other hand, financial limits or a lack of suitable opportunities could lead the club to delay a major move until the summer.
January windows are often unpredictable. Selling clubs may demand a premium for players they do not want to lose, while potential recruits may prefer to wait before making a change. Roma will need to balance the urgency of strengthening the attack with the risk of committing significant resources to a player who may need time to adapt to a new league and tactical system.
A Search for Quality and Squad Balance
The key question is not simply whether Roma can sign a forward, but whether the club can find the right fit. Gasperini needs attackers who can match the intensity of his football, contribute to collective pressing and provide a credible threat in possession. A signing who offers speed but struggles to fit the system may not deliver the improvement Roma are seeking.
For supporters, the continued search is a sign that the summer’s unmet need has not disappeared. Endrick may remain the headline target, but Carlos Forbs gives Roma another potential route as the winter transfer window approaches. Whether either player becomes a realistic option will depend on negotiations and the wider market. For now, Roma’s transfer prediction remains open: the club is exploring possibilities, and its next attacking addition—if one arrives—could be crucial to Gasperini’s plans for the second half of the season.
