Hermoso: 'We Want the Champions League, We'll Try Until the End'

Roma is actively pushing forward with plans to sign Kerim Alajbegovic for their attack, with the club having initiated contact with the player's father. Pjanic is reportedly acting as an intermediary in the negotiations. The club is also exploring reinforcements for the full-back positions, with Shakhtar's Konoplya, a right-back born in 1999, emerging as a target. An initial exploratory contact has already been made, and Konoplya's contract expires in September 2026, potentially making a move feasible. Meanwhile, Eldor Shomurodov has officially departed Roma, with Basaksehir paying reportedly an additional 2.8 million euros to complete his permanent transfer. Rensch has returned to full training with the squad at Trigoria after time away. In other news involving players connected to Roma's sphere, Saud Abdulhamid continues to impress in France, providing two crucial assists as Lens advanced to the cup final following a weekend victory over Tolosa. Angelino appears to be heading toward an exit, though he has denied these reports.

Mario Hermoso expressed the squad's frustration with Roma's current league position while reaffirming their commitment to fighting for Champions League qualification. Speaking at an event, the Spanish defender acknowledged that the team would have preferred a higher standing given their position for much of the season, but stressed that Roma will continue pushing until the final whistle as long as matches and points remain available. With Roma's Champions League hopes now slim, the club faces a challenging run-in where they must capitalize on potential slip-ups from rivals. Hermoso's comments reflect the team's determination to salvage what has become a disappointing final stretch after a more promising campaign earlier in the season. The defender's remarks came with a note of resignation about the gap between expectations and current reality. Hermoso concluded that the club will maintain their efforts regardless of the mathematical odds, emphasizing the principle of never surrendering until the competition concludes. Roma's ability to finish in the top four will likely depend on the performances of their direct competitors in the remaining fixtures.

During the half-time break of a Roma U18 versus Monza U18 match at Trigoria, the visiting team's backup goalkeeper was photographed standing on a chair to peer over the wall separating the two training pitches to watch Mile Svilar and Roma's senior team training nearby. The image captures a moment of admiration and a desire to learn from one of Europe's top goalkeepers. The photograph has since circulated widely on social media, generating interest among fans for its genuine and touching nature. The incident highlights the inspiration that elite players like Svilar provide to younger footballers in professional development. Roma's training facilities at Trigoria host multiple age groups simultaneously, allowing youth players to witness and learn from established first-team players. The moment resonated with supporters and caught the attention of Svilar himself, who reportedly liked the post when it was shared by Gazzetta Regionale, showing appreciation for the young goalkeeper's enthusiasm. The story represents a relatable moment in football development, where aspiring players seek to observe and absorb techniques from experienced professionals. Such interactions, even if brief and indirect, contribute to the learning environment fostered at top clubs like Roma, where youth academy players benefit from proximity to world-class talent.