Roma's injury crisis eases as Dybala and Wesley return; Koné expected back soon

Walter Sabatini, former Roma sporting director, has sent a message of support to Wesley following the left-back's withdrawal from the World Cup due to injury. Sabatini posted on Instagram to address the midfielder's disappointment, saying: "Losing the World Cup is an unspeakable pain that we share with you, but your sporting life will restart in great form at Roma and with Roma." Sabatini also congratulated Ederson on his call-up as Wesley's replacement, describing him as deserving and expressing pride in the defender. Wesley sustained a muscle injury to his left adductor during Roma's match against Egypt, forcing him out of the tournament. The withdrawal has been a significant blow to both the player and the Roma environment. Upon returning from vacation, Wesley will undergo further medical examinations at Trigoria to assess the extent of the injury. Despite missing the World Cup, Wesley is expected to be available for Roma's pre-season training, which begins on 13 July. The club will monitor his recovery closely during the summer break to ensure he is fit for the start of the new season.

Irish striker Evan Ferguson has left AS Roma after a single season at the club. The 2004-born forward made 22 appearances and scored five goals in the Giallorossi shirt but was unable to establish himself, hampered by multiple injuries during his time in Serie A. Ferguson's departure marks the end of a difficult spell in Rome. Despite showing promise, recurring fitness issues prevented him from making a sustained impact at the club. His exit represents another chapter in Roma's ongoing squad evolution under current management. Ferguson addressed the Roma fanbase in a statement: "No one wants their time to be interrupted, but injuries are part of the game. Thank you to everyone at Roma and the fans for the support in recent months. I wish my teammates and everyone at the club the best for the future. Forza Roma ❤️💛." The forward departs with respect for the club and its supporters despite the injury-plagued campaign.

Wesley sustained an injury during a friendly match against Egypt and has returned to Trigoria for further medical examinations. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has already been in touch with the player regarding the setback. The injury is described as a significant blow for Wesley, who faces an uncertain availability period. Details of the exact nature and severity of the injury remain unclear, as do timelines for his return to full training and competition.

Paulo Dybala's future remains firmly at AS Roma. The Argentine forward has committed to continuing his career in the capital, and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is eager to build a Champions League campaign around him. Contract renewal discussions are ongoing, with only minor administrative details remaining to be finalized in the coming days. Club insiders describe the atmosphere as optimistic, with expectations the agreement will be completed soon. Boca Juniors, however, continues to monitor the situation from Argentina. The club is employing a familiar waiting strategy—the same approach used previously with Paredes, who eventually departed in early July after prolonged negotiations. Boca hopes to capitalize on any opportunity that might arise, though their limited financial resources and inability to offer European football places them at a significant disadvantage. For now, the Argentine club remains patient, awaiting any signal from Dybala. At Roma's training ground, confidence prevails. Dybala's affection for the club and the city is genuine, and there is no indication he intends to sever the connection. Despite Boca's hopes, sources close to the situation expect the contract renewal to progress without complications, suggesting the player's commitment to Roma remains unwavering.

Tony D'Amico is set to become AS Roma's new sporting director after resolving contractual issues with Atalanta. The former Verona executive resolved the financial pending matters with the Bergamo club on the morning of the announcement and is now ready to sign with Roma. Official confirmation from the club is expected within the coming days. D'Amico will work alongside head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. His arrival comes after a lengthy delay caused by negotiations with Atalanta, which had removed him from his position over a week prior and named Cristiano Giuntoli as his replacement. Upon joining Roma, D'Amico faces a packed agenda including contract renewals for Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Gianluca Mancini, resolution of a Settlement Agreement and financial fair play issues by June 30, and incoming transfers with Mason Greenwood reportedly a priority target. D'Amico's operational powers will initially be limited. He will gain full authority only from July 1, when the transfer market officially opens. Until then, he cannot sign contracts or send formal written offers for renewals or transfers, as Roma was unable to request a derogation at the recent League Assembly. In practical terms, signing authority will rest with chief financial officer Morrow. D'Amico can work informally before July 1, but this represents a further delay of several days in Roma's transfer planning.

Roma's incoming sporting director Tony D'Amico will need to reinforce the defence alongside the planned attacking overhaul, with the club facing potential squad gaps depending on Ndicka's future. Although the attack is the primary focus—built around Malen and Dybala with Pellegrini in support—the defence will require significant investment. The backline was Roma's strongest asset under Gasperini's management this season, forming the foundation for Champions League qualification, but numerical reinforcement is essential. With Kumbulla set to return, Ziolkowski departing for game time, and Ndicka's status uncertain due to Financial Fair Play concerns, Roma would be left with only four senior centre-backs (Hermoso, Mancini, Ghilardi, and possibly Ndicka) for a demanding season requiring at least two players per position. That would leave two additional defenders short. Several targets have been identified. Oosterwolde is viewed as a promising profile but carries a price tag of €20–25 million, becoming viable mainly if Ndicka departs. Bologna's Lucumì, available on an expiring contract, is another option at roughly €20 million—far lower than Bologna's initial €28 million demand. Solet represents an ideal profile but costs at least €25 million and Inter are already advanced in negotiations. Muharemovic is ready to leave Sassuolo, though domestic competition is driving up his price. Gasperini has been clear that Roma needs experienced, quality defenders—both a high-level starter and a reliable backup.

Roma is intensifying efforts to sign Juan Manuel Ruggeri, an Atlético Madrid defender, as the club looks to strengthen its flanks. Ruggeri has been on Roma's radar since January, but interest has now become more concrete. The player's agents, Manuel Montipò and Tullio Tinti, confirmed the interest during an interview with Sky Sport, stating: "Atlético is very happy to keep him, but in football anything can happen. He has requests both in Italy and abroad." The agents also acknowledged potential interest from other top clubs, including Juventus, though they were less direct when asked specifically about Roma. Roma seeks additional reinforcement on the wings beyond Wesley, the current squad option. Previous target Dodo from Fiorentina appeared to lose momentum, with recent developments stalling that line of inquiry. Ruggeri, a former Atalanta player now at Atlético Madrid, represents an alternative avenue for the club's recruitment strategy. When pressed about Juventus's possible involvement, the agents suggested: "It is a top club and as such looks at strong players. There could also be interest." However, regarding Roma specifically, their response remained more evasive, hinting at competition from other suitors. The situation remains fluid, with multiple clubs potentially pursuing the defender's signature.

Younes, father of Roma winger Wesley and a former professional tennis player ranked 14th on the ATP tour, spoke about his son's first season at the Giallorossi. Wesley joined Roma with ambitions to play for a major European club and establish himself immediately with the Moroccan national team—goals he has reportedly achieved. Younes expressed pride in his son's early progress but acknowledged the challenges of professional football, including injuries Wesley has already suffered: a cut above the eye during the Africa Cup of Nations final, a broken nose, and knee problems. He emphasized his concern for his son's physical wellbeing whenever Roma play. Wesely is now focused on the upcoming World Cup, starting with Morocco's match against Brazil. His father highlighted that Roma's third-place Serie A finish has secured Champions League football for next season, which brings Wesley significant satisfaction. Younes described his son as fearless and highly competitive, noting: "He's considered a fighter by everyone, including his coaches. I'd say he's even worse than me. You see it on the pitch: if he makes a mistake, he immediately becomes aggressive because he's disappointed in himself. And that's exactly what makes him so strong." Beyond football, Younes emphasized the importance of proper nutrition and lifestyle in preventing injuries, areas where he actively guides his son.

AS Roma sent a message of encouragement to five players competing in the FIFA World Cup, posting personalised messages across their social media channels. The club wished luck to Ndicka, Celik, El Aynaoui, Malen, and Koné ahead of the tournament. Wesley, who was also expected to participate with Brazil, was unavailable due to an injury sustained in a friendly match before the squad's departure. The five Roma representatives will make their tournament debuts across consecutive days. El Aynaoui will be the first to take the field on 14 June at midnight (Italian time) as his team faces Brazil. On the same day, Celik and Turkey play Australia at 6 a.m., while Malen and the Netherlands face Japan at 10 p.m. Evan Ndicka and the Côte d'Ivoire will play Ecuador on 15 June, with Manu Koné completing Roma's World Cup contingent on 16 June against Senegal at 9 p.m.

Several transfer developments are emerging around Roma's squad. Artem Dovbyk is drawing attention from clubs abroad, while Roma are competing with Juventus to pursue Diaz. Additionally, the club is preparing a survey to gather fan feedback on stadium matters. In other news, Greenwood is preparing to leave Marseille, and Ferguson has departed Roma. Fiorentina are reportedly interested in Filippo Romano, with an offer of €3 million being prepared.

Roma's transfer window continues to develop on multiple fronts. D'Amico's status remains unresolved as the club awaits clarity on his position. Dovbyk has attracted market movement, with activity intensifying around the striker's future. Ferguson has departed Roma, marking another change in the squad setup. The developments reflect ongoing reshaping of the playing group as the transfer window progresses.

Artem Dovbyk is expected to depart AS Roma this summer after two seasons at the club. According to transfer expert Matteo Moretto, multiple foreign clubs competing in next season's Champions League have already expressed interest in the Ukrainian striker. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini reportedly prefers a centre-forward with different characteristics for his Roma project, contributing to the likelihood of Dovbyk's exit. Trabzonspor made an enquiry about Dovbyk in recent days and proposed an offer around €10 million, which Roma rejected as insufficient given they paid approximately €36 million for him two years ago. Fiorentina was also linked with the player in a potential swap deal involving Piccoli, though that negotiation never gained traction. In Serie A, Roma's preference to move Dovbyk on reflects Gasperini's tactical vision for the squad. Dovbyk's recent campaign was disrupted by injuries and surgery, limiting him to just 3 goals across 18 appearances in Serie A and European competition. His departure would mark a significant reshaping of Roma's attacking options as the club prepares for the upcoming season.