Roma's summer transfer window closed on 1 September without a single new signing, as the club's desperate late pursuit of Stuttgart winger Jamie Leweling collapsed in the final hours. Roma had reached agreement with Stuttgart on a fee—outlets differ on the exact figure, with some reporting €30 million fixed plus €5 million in add-ons, while others cite €35 million—and even prepared a private jet to transport the 25-year-old German forward to Rome. However, Leweling ultimately rejected the move after being summoned to Stuttgart's offices for talks. According to Sky Sport reports, he requested time to consider his future and chose to remain at the Bundesliga club, also turning down a concrete late offer from Everton that came during the night.
The failed Leweling pursuit represented Roma's final roll of the dice after a summer marked by delays and missed opportunities. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had sought attacking reinforcements to fill vacant wing positions, particularly after the arrival of midfielder Marten de Roon freed resources for that role. Beyond Leweling, Roma pursued alternative targets including England's Jamie Bynoe-Gittens at Chelsea—who remained unavailable after Chelsea refused a loan arrangement—and Brazilian Luiz Henrique from Zenit, though that deal also fell through over complications involving agent commissions. The club also missed out on left-back targets, with Juan Cabal rejecting approaches from both Roma and Atalanta to remain at Juventus.
The window's conclusion leaves Gasperini without the attacking additions he requested for a year. Departures included Neil El Aynaoui, who completed his move to Leipzig, and 19-year-old Robinio Vaz, who joined Hull City. With only 22 players confirmed for Roma's squad—including three goalkeepers—the club will proceed with just 19 outfield options, leaving the left-wing position unfilled as Lorenzo Pellegrini remains unavailable and Rodrigo Mora, presented as a playmaker, must cover the role.
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