Cesc Fabregas signs another wonderkid! Brazilian goalkeeper with 'great potential' becomes Como's 11th summer signing

Como continue to reinforce their roster in a bid to improve on their 10th-place finish in Serie A last season, announcing on Tuesday the signing of talented young goalkeeper Henrique Menke from Brazilian side Internacional on loan with an option to buy. Menke becomes the 11th signing of the summer for head coach Fabregas, having acquired some impressive young talents such as Jacobo Ramon, Jesus Rodriguez, Nicolas Kuhn, Martin Baturina, Maximo Perrone and Alex Valle. 

Menke, who is just 18 years old, made rapid strides in the Internacional youth academy, making as many as 17 appearances for the club's U20 side last season. What's more, he has also been capped by Brazil at the U20 level, being a part of the side that lifted the South American U20 championship. He has joined the club's first-team pre-season training in Marbella, Spain, although he will be registered with the Primavera (U19) side for the 2025-26 season. His progress will be tracked by Fabregas, who could provide him sporadic opportunities during the campaign to test his mettle. 

Following the transfer, Osian Roberts, Como's head of development, stated: “Our recruitment team and Davide Facchin have been doing excellent work identifying the next generation of young talents both domestically in Italy and abroad. We identified our need to recruit a high-potential young goalkeeper, and we are delighted to bring Henrique to Como 1907. He has already had international experience with his national team of Brazil. Henrique’s profile was important to us—a goalkeeper who is strong with both his hands and his feet, and of international level. He has started pre-season very well, so let’s see what he can achieve.”

Menke also spoke for the first time after being presented as a new Como signing. The goalkeeper said: “This is a very important step for me, both in my life and in my career. It’s a big change, as I’m leaving not only my country but also my continent, but I’m very happy and excited about it. Before I arrived, I messaged Fellipe [Jack] to ask what it was like here, and he had only positive things to say. He helped me a lot when I arrived, and I really appreciated his support. Here at Como, there’s an excellent project: a growing team that plays good football and has a strong reputation both in Europe and in Brazil. It’s a club that’s constantly evolving, and I hope we can achieve even more together.”

Como's next friendly is scheduled on Wednesday, August 6, against Spanish team Real Betis, before taking on Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy match on August 10. They will kick-off their campaign with a Coppa Italia first round clash against Sudtirol on August 16.