Gasperini Shuts Down Endrick Talk: Roma Boss ‘Not Interested’ in January Window Ahead of Real Madrid Clash

FolioPitch.com – 13 October 2026 | As Roma prepare to host Real Madrid in a highly anticipated Champions League league-phase encounter at the Stadio Olimpico, coach Gian Piero Gasperini has addressed the swirling rumours linking the Giallorossi with a move for Real Madrid’s teenage striker Endrick. In his pre-match press conference, Gasperini opens up about Endrick and Real Madrid transfer request, making it clear that he has no intention of discussing the Brazilian forward or any other January signings. “I don’t think so. I’m not interested in the January window,” Gasperini told reporters when asked if he would speak to José Mourinho about Endrick. “We only have it at the beginning of a stretch of games, and tomorrow’s will feel like something we’ve been missing for a long time.”

The 20-year-old Endrick has been starved of minutes at the Santiago Bernabéu this season, featuring for just four minutes in La Liga. His lack of playing time has sparked speculation that he could seek a loan move in the winter window, with Roma and AC Milan reportedly monitoring the situation. However, Gasperini opens up about Endrick and Real Madrid transfer request by shifting the focus squarely onto the upcoming match. “I hope to hug my players. Actually, we’ll hug anyway because tomorrow we’ll play a match we haven’t played in a long time, and for Roma, it’s been a long time since they’ve played against the most successful team, so we hope to hug each other and be happy at the end of the game,” he added in an interview with Sky Sport.

Endrick, who spent the second half of the 2025-26 season on loan at Lyon, impressed in France with five goals and seven assists in 16 appearances across all competitions. Despite his potential, Real Madrid are reportedly unwilling to sanction a permanent exit and would only consider a loan deal. This stance has done little to quell the interest from Serie A clubs, but Gasperini remains unmoved. When Gasperini opens up about Endrick and Real Madrid transfer request, he does so with a tone of dismissal, emphasising that his priority is the team’s performance on the pitch rather than off-field negotiations.

The Italian tactician also took a light-hearted swipe at Mourinho’s return to the Stadio Olimpico, joking that he admires the Portuguese coach’s ability to persuade his clubs to make big-money signings. Mourinho, now in charge of Real Madrid, will receive a warm reception from the Roma faithful, but Gasperini is focused on the task at hand. “Tomorrow’s match is a chance for us to measure ourselves against the best,” he said. “We have been waiting for this moment.”

Roma’s interest in Endrick is understandable given their need for attacking reinforcements, but Gasperini’s comments suggest that any move would be driven by the club’s sporting director, not the coach. The Giallorossi have struggled for consistency in Serie A this season, and a player of Endrick’s caliber could provide a timely boost. Yet, as Gasperini opens up about Endrick and Real Madrid transfer request, he makes it clear that his focus is solely on the Champions League clash.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are dealing with their own attacking dilemmas. Endrick’s limited role has raised questions about his development, and a loan move to a club where he can play regular first-team football might be the best solution. Roma, with their passionate fanbase and historic stadium, could offer an attractive destination. But for now, Gasperini’s stance remains firm: no January distractions.

In conclusion, Gasperini’s refusal to entertain questions about Endrick and the January transfer window is a testament to his single-minded approach. As Roma prepare to face Real Madrid, the coach wants his players to focus on the challenge ahead, not on potential signings. Whether Endrick ends up in the Italian capital remains to be seen, but for Gasperini, the only thing that matters is the result on Wednesday night.