Balerdi Completes Roma Move from Marseille on Loan with Option to Buy

Gian Piero Gasperini held a press conference on 30 August 2026, the day before Roma's Serie A fixture against Lecce at the Via del Mare on 31 August at 18:30. The head coach defended Roma's transfer activity this summer, saying the arrivals of De Roon and Balerdi have brought "two captains" and enhanced the squad's physical robustness. "Economically it gives us the possibility to bring interest also on another role," Gasperini said, indicating Roma still have funds available for further recruitment before the transfer window closes on Tuesday, 1 September. Gasperini confirmed that Rensch will return to group training on Tuesday and Pellegrini from the following week. He explained De Roon's move came quickly, within the last 24–48 hours, after contact with Percassi and the player's strong desire to join Roma. The switch allows Neil El Aynaoui to seek a move where he feels more valued. "We are very solid under this aspect," Gasperini said of the midfield overhaul. On the remaining gaps, he identified a left-back and an attacking winger as priorities: "To complete we must take at least one piece, a full-back and an outside forward remain. If we take two we will be 21, if we take one we will be 20. It is not a large squad." He noted that Emanuele Lulli has done well in defence but the club must prepare for a gruelling fixture schedule and injury contingencies. Gasperini addressed concerns about the gap to Napoli and Inter. "Roma suffered from the PSR rules and had to lower the wage bill, and certain players we aspired to reach to be stronger was not possible. The society was available," he said. "We must thank all those who came back despite having to lower their contracts just to play at Roma. This is a great spirit that forms inside, and under this aspect we are among the very first, if not the very first." On Matías Soulé, amid transfer speculation, Gasperini stated: "I have never known of a proposal all summer for him like for other chatted-about players. There has never been anything concrete." Regarding the Champions League group draw on 27 August, he said: "It is a beautiful group with matches of great prestige. Arriving in the top eight is hard for everyone; the objective is to stay inside the playoff spots." Gasperini confirmed Molina has recovered well after playing in the World Cup final and will feature on 31 August, though possibly not from the start. He stressed that Soulé, despite transfer talk, is likely to play against Lecce. On De Roon's age and past comments about Roma, Gasperini said: "When you know him you will understand he is a very solid person, intact physically. He is a player of value, not prospect. He is amusing on social media, a nice person." The transfer market remains open until 1 September, with focus expected to shift entirely to football thereafter.

Marten de Roon landed at Fiumicino airport on 30 August after Roma agreed a transfer from Atalanta. The Dutch midfielder was greeted by a handful of Roma fans upon arrival and will now complete medical examinations before signing his contract with the club. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini pushed strongly to bring de Roon to Roma, reuniting him with the coach who worked with the midfielder at Atalanta, where de Roon spent many years. The player accepted the opportunity to leave Bergamo and begin a new chapter of his career in the capital. The transfer represents a low-cost operation for Roma, who will pay Atalanta just under one million euros in the form of bonuses. Gasperini prioritised bringing in an experienced midfielder already accustomed to his tactical principles and demands. The deal was closed rapidly, with the formal announcement still pending following the completion of medicals and the signing ceremony.

Marten de Roon has arrived in Rome to complete his transfer from Atalanta on 30 August 2026. The 1991-born Dutch midfielder communicated his wish to join Roma to Atalanta late on 29 August, and the two clubs agreed a deal worth 1 million euros. De Roon will reunite with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and join fellow Dutch players Devyne Rensch and Donyell Malen in the squad, as well as gain access to Champions League football. De Roon considered his time at Atalanta finished and had been in talks with Bologna before Gasperini moved decisively for him. The move became possible after Roma secured the departure of Neil El Aynaoui to RB Leipzig. Speaking at Atalanta's training ground that morning, de Roon said: "For me it is a sad and difficult day, even though I should be happy. I spoke to Gasperini, it was all a bit of a lightning bolt. He wanted me strongly at Roma, and given how things were here it was the right solution." Medical examinations and contract signing were scheduled to follow his midday arrival at Fiumicino airport.