Roma Ready to Rival Arsenal and Manchester United in Race For Brazilian Teenager Rafael Belinho

Roma have joined the race for Brazilian teenager Rafael Belinho, but they face competition from a host of Europe’s heavyweights.

Gian Piero Gasperini has been vocal about Roma’s direction of late, and urged club officials to make the “objective clear” as to whether they should spend their time investing in experienced players, or begin developing youth.

What is becoming clearer however, is Roma’s imminent need for more reinforcements in midfield.

Paulo Dybala has Gasperini concerned as he continues to stall over his contract renewal, meaning Roma could be left without one of the double-pronged attacking midfield duo – along with Matias Soule – that has proven mightily effective so far this season.

Gasperini is always keen to have technicians in midfield who can facilitate his vertical attack, and releasing Roma’s new signing Donyell Malen as quickly as possible will be key to his success in the capital.

While Lorenzo Pellegrini and Soule can carry the mantle in case of Dybala’s exit, Roma are now keen to begin investing in their future under Gasperini.

Roma Show Interest in Rafael Belinho

One name that has captured Roma’s attention – and the rest of Europe for that matter – is Rafael Belinho.

The Brazilian-born teenager, who represents Croatia internationally, had been playing for Dinamo Zagreb’s U17 team until recently.

However, he has now completed a move from Zagreb to NK Kustosija, which allows him to feature in their U19 side who compete in Croatia’s elite youth division.

Rafael Gomes Cirino aka ‘Belinho’ has just made the move from Dinamo Zagreb to NK Kustosija! 🇭🇷🇧🇷

The talented CAM/winger is supremely gifted on the ball, and also has a great eye for chance creation in the final third. 🔥

Averages 2.9 shots and 4.3 successful take-ons /90. 📊 pic.twitter.com/ZjnorPQtRT

— Eyeball Football (Soccer) (@Eyeballfootball) January 13, 2026

That should tell you a lot about his rapid progress already at 17, with scout reports detailing a player showing qualities well beyond his years.

Standing at just 5’5, Belinho is diminutive but hugely technical, and can operate anywhere across the forward line with a preference for attacking midfield.

He has been praised for his ability to shield the ball from larger opposition in tight space, and Kustosija believe he has the ability to compete in a more physical league despite his slight frame.

Belinho has already met with representatives across Europe, with Borussia Dortmund reportedly holding ‘face-to-face’ discussions this month, while the player and his father met with Barcelona director Deco last year.

Premier League clubs including Manchester United and Arsenal have also carried out their due diligence, but Brexit regulations mean he wouldn’t be able to sign until after his 18th birthday.

Under-18 players need special approval to be able to register for English clubs, but the lure of the Premier League often means young players are prepared to wait.

That could allow Roma’s interest to take centre stage, and FootItalia understands the Italians have sent representatives to Croatia to watch Belinho play in recent months.

The teenager is not expected to move until the summer, but his agent is aware of the teams in the shop window and recognises that plenty of proposals will be tabled.

Roma hope that they can offer a clearer pathway into the first team, particularly if Paulo Dybala decides not to renew his contract. Gasperini also has a proven track record of nurturing youth, so Belinho and his entourage may decide that the biggest clubs in Europe may not necessarily be the best option for his development.