Roma shift focus to Youssouf Fofana for €40m, abandon Luis Henrique pursuit
Quick summary
Roma have reportedly turned their attention to signing midfielder Youssouf Fofana for around €40m, shelving their interest in Luis Henrique, who appears headed to Inter.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceNow that Roma are close to Rodrigo Mora from FC Porto , they are putting their focus onto Olympique Lyonnais winger Malick Fofana, preferred to Inter’s Luis Henrique.
Gian Piero Gasperini has been very vocal about the need for reinforcements in attack, and while Mora can play a wider role, he is generally more central.
Fofana prefers Roma to Galatasaray BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – SEPTEMBER 07: Malick Fofana of Belgium runs with the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Belgium and Kazakhstan at Lotto Park on September 07, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Omar Havana/Getty Images) According to Fabrizio Romano , their prime target now is Fofana, and the feeling is mutual, as he would rather come to Serie A than Galatasaray.
Tuttomercatoweb had suggested a €40m proposal was on its way, and the good news is that the player seems to favour Roma despite the fact Galatasaray could offer him a higher salary.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 10: Malick Fofana of Belgium reacts during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between Italy and Belgium at Stadio Olimpico on October 10, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images) The 21-year-old Belgium international is the alternative to Luis Henrique, as Roma seemed somewhat frosty on pursuing those negotiations.
Luis Henrique was also far from convinced by the idea of the move, which prompted everyone concerned to look elsewhere.
Lyon paid €19.5m to buy Fofana from KAA Gent in January 2024 and last season he contributed two goals with one assist in only 16 appearances.
This was largely due to a long lay-off for an ankle operation from October 2025 to March 2026.
Source attribution: this article content is based on the linked publisher feed/source. Chance adds independent soccer context, impact analysis, entity links, and related news.
What happened
According to reports, AS Roma have pivoted their midfield reinforcement plans toward Youssouf Fofana, with a potential €40m deal on the table. The Italian club has cooled its interest in Luis Henrique, who is now closer to joining Inter Milan. The shift signals Roma's determination to strengthen the center of the pitch with an experienced, high-caliber player rather than pursue the Brazilian winger. If completed, the Fofana move would represent one of Roma's marquee signings of the window and would address a key area of need identified by the coaching staff.
Chance analysis
Fofana would bring physicality, ball progression, and defensive cover to Roma's midfield — a profile that directly addresses structural weaknesses exposed last season. A €40m outlay signals serious financial commitment from the Friedkin ownership and likely rules out further major midfield spending. Dropping Luis Henrique simplifies the winger department but removes one of the more dynamic options linked to Roma. The ripple effect on Inter, who appear to be landing Henrique, could shift their tactical setup on the flanks.
Roma would gain a proven midfield anchor if the Fofana deal completes, while Inter would boost their attacking wide options via Henrique.
Roma's midfield reinforcement with Fofana would noticeably improve their defensive solidity and transition play for upcoming Serie A and European fixtures.