Roma want Forbs in January: scouted in person, he is the alternative to Endrick
Still dreaming, Roma are looking for an attacking reinforcement ahead of the next winter transfer window. Gian Piero Gasperini pushed hard for one in the summer, but it never really arrived.
Roma have long been trying to beat fierce competition to Endrick, but they are keeping another option open: Bruges winger Carlos Forbs.
Who is Forbs?
A wide forward born in 2004, he is left-footed and Portuguese of Guinean origin. He came through the youth ranks at Sporting Lisbon before joining the Manchester City youth setup at a young age. Ajax bought him for 14 million in 2023. He then returned to the Premier League on loan at Wolverhampton before Ajax sold him to Bruges in the summer of 2025.
Although he plays high on the right, he can cover the whole flank and slot in at wing-back comfortably. This season, he has 4 goals and 8 assists in the league and Champions League, including 3 assists at San Siro against Inter.
Watched in person
Although Gasperini would prefer a slightly more out-and-out forward to play behind Malen and offer an alternative to Soulé, Mora and Dybala, Forbs could also play as a wide midfielder when needed. That would give Roma a much more attacking line-up.
Roma are keeping a close eye on him, having watched him in person against Inter in the Champions League. At San Siro, he caused Dimarco and the Inter defence serious problems, setting up three of Bruges' four goals.
Alternative to Endrick, but Bruges do not want loan deals
Roma still want to beat AC Milan and Aston Villa to Brazilian talent Endrick, but risk falling behind in the race, particularly on finances, even if Real Madrid are open to a loan. José Mourinho, however, would not currently want to let him go.
As early as January, a move for Forbs could gather momentum, although sporting director D’Amico will have to contend with the Portuguese player’s long contract, which runs until 30 June 2029, and a Bruges valuation already above 15–20 million. Bruges will not consider loans, with or without pre-agreed purchase clauses.
