With the transfer window's ticking clock, AS Roma is actively working to fortify its roster, particularly eyeing an attacking winger and a left-sided midfielder. However, a significant hurdle has emerged in their pursuit of Brazilian talent Marcos Leonardo. Despite his availability and previous interest from the club, current regulations regarding non-EU player slots mean Roma cannot secure his signing in this window, compelling them to redirect their focus to other potential recruits.
Roma's Transfer Dilemma: Non-EU Quota Blocks Marcos Leonardo Signing
As the January 2026 transfer window rapidly approaches its conclusion, Italian football club AS Roma finds itself in a race against time to bolster its squad. Under the guidance of Gasperini, the Giallorossi have prioritized acquiring an attacking winger and a left-sided midfielder to enhance their tactical options. While several names, including Carrasco, are being evaluated for these roles, a notable development has arisen concerning Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo.
Reports from tuttomercatoweb.com indicate that Marcos Leonardo, who recently saw his former Benfica teammate Kaio Cesar move to Corinthians from Al Hilal, has been offered to both Roma and Napoli in Serie A. Intriguingly, CSKA Moscow has also reportedly submitted an offer for the player to the Saudi club, intensifying the competition for his signature.
This is not the first time Marcos Leonardo has been linked with the Rome-based club. In the summer of 2023, he was on the verge of joining the Giallorossi, even going as far as to skip training sessions with Santos to facilitate the move to Italy. However, that opportunity ultimately saw him join Benfica instead, following an agreement with his Brazilian club.
Despite the renewed opportunity and the player's past interest, the 2026 winter transfer window presents an insurmountable obstacle for Roma. The club has exhausted its quota for non-EU players, rendering them unable to register Marcos Leonardo even if an agreement were reached. This regulatory constraint means that, at least for this transfer period, the highly sought-after Brazilian will not be making his way to Trigoria. Consequently, Roma must pivot its strategy and concentrate on identifying alternative targets who meet their urgent needs and comply with existing squad composition rules.
This situation underscores the complex interplay of sporting ambitions, financial considerations, and regulatory compliance that shapes modern football transfers. For Roma, the inability to sign Marcos Leonardo, a player they have pursued before, highlights the strategic challenges faced by clubs operating within strict non-EU player limits. It will be compelling to observe how the Giallorossi adapt their recruitment efforts in the final days of the transfer window, seeking creative solutions to strengthen their team while adhering to the rules. This scenario serves as a reminder that a club's transfer success often hinges not just on identifying talent, but also on navigating the intricate web of league regulations and the competitive landscape of the global player market.