Roma targeted Endrick and Mastantuono for Real Madrid loans
Quick summary
Roma explored loan moves for Real Madrid's Endrick and Franco Mastantuono but were unable to complete deals, with the Brazilian instead going to Lyon.
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Attributed to original sourceRoma director Tony D’Amico has flown out to ask Real Madrid for a double loan deal, with Endrick and Franco Mastantuono eager for playing time, battling Fiorentina.
The Giallorossi have a very limited transfer budget despite qualifying for the Champions League, so after struggling to get deals over the line, have turned to Real Madrid for some loans instead.
Endrick and Mastantuono available on loan MADRID, SPAIN – MAY 23: Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Athletic Club at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 23, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) It is no secret that the Merengues want to give Endrick and Mastantuono regular playing time to help their development, having seen what Como did for Nico Paz in such a short space of time.
Fiorentina are the favourites for Mastantuono after more confirmation today that Real Madrid will only loan the Argentine to another European club, blocking a return to River Plate.
Roma have now joined the fray and are promising Champions League football as well, putting them in a stronger position.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, Il Messaggero and Sportitalia , the strongest reason for Roma director D’Amico’s trip to Spain is the pursuit of Endrick.
The Brazilian just turned 20 last week spent the last six months on loan with Olympique Lyonnais.
Real Madrid paid €47.5m to buy the young talent from Palmeiras in 2024, but cannot guarantee him playing time at the Bernabeu.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 19: Endrick #19 of Brazil reacts as he enters the pitch during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Haiti at Philadelphia Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà maintains the Giallorossi have been tracking Endrick for at least a month, but realise it will be difficult to get even a loan agreement for him.
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What happened
Roma identified Endrick and Franco Mastantuono as loan targets from Real Madrid during the most recent transfer window. However, neither deal materialized. Endrick ultimately joined Lyon on loan instead, while Mastantuono remained at Real Madrid. The pursuit highlights Roma's strategy of seeking high-profile young talent on loan from elite clubs to strengthen their squad without major financial outlay.
Chance analysis
Roma's failed pursuit of two Real Madrid youngsters signals both ambition and constraint: the club wants elite-level talent but lacks the financial leverage to outbid competitors. Endrick ending up at Lyon rather than Roma suggests Roma were not the preferred destination, possibly due to limited playing-time guarantees or financial terms. This missed opportunity could affect Roma's attacking depth for the current season.
Roma's attacking depth is unaltered after failing to land Endrick or Mastantuono on loan; both players remain unavailable or at other clubs.
Roma did not secure attacking reinforcements from Real Madrid, meaning their forward options remain unchanged for upcoming matches.