Wesley proves vital as Roma hunts for dual-flank backup

Genoa is weighing whether to exercise a buyout clause for a player on loan from AS Roma. The Serie A club is evaluating its options regarding the midfielder's future as the loan spell progresses. Details of the financial terms and timeline for a potential permanent move remain unclear. Roma retains the player's registration and will monitor developments. The decision may depend on the player's performances and Genoa's squad planning for the remainder of the season.

Evan Ndicka remains among Roma's leading candidates for sale before the 30 June deadline to comply with financial fair play regulations. The Ivorian defender joined Roma on a free transfer during the Pinto era, with the club paying only a 4 million euro commission. However, his contract includes a specific clause guaranteeing Ndicka 20% of any transfer fee Roma receives for his departure. Ndicka arrived at the Stadio Olimpico without a transfer fee, making him a valuable asset should Roma seek to generate funds through player sales. The financial arrangement reflects the deal's original structure and provides the defender with a financial incentive tied to his future move. This clause comes into focus as Roma evaluates potential departures to meet squad financial targets. On Sunday, Ndicka announced on social media that he had ended his professional relationship with his long-standing agent, signalling a potential shift in his situation at the club.

Roma is actively searching for a new sporting director to work alongside head coach Gian Piero Gasperini in building the squad for the upcoming season. Cristiano Giuntoli, Juventus's sporting director, has been evaluated by the Friedkin Group ownership but has been ruled out in favour of other candidates. Fabio Paratici, tied to Fiorentina until 2030, has also been excluded from consideration. Among the candidates being monitored, Giovanni Manna of Napoli is an attractive option, though the club considers him a key figure and his contract runs until 2029, making him difficult to prise away. Tony D'Amico, the current sporting director of Atalanta, remains on Roma's radar due to his established working relationship with Gasperini from their time together at Bergamo, though their collaboration has not always been straightforward. Sean Sogliano, departing Verona, appears less prominent in Roma's thinking and has recently been linked more insistently with Lazio. Gasperini is waiting for the ownership to announce the new sporting director appointment. The Friedkin Group continues to assure from Houston that the choice will remain entirely their prerogative, though a figure who can work collaboratively with the coach is considered essential following the recent public removal of Massara from his position.

Roma is planning a significant restructuring of its attack under new head coach Gasperini, with Donyell Malen and Matías Soulé expected to remain as exceptions. The club has identified RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa as a primary target for the left flank. Leipzig reportedly demanded €50 million for the Norwegian in January, but his valuation is expected to decrease in the summer transfer window. Other attacking options under consideration include Tel from Tottenham and Godts from Ajax, while the club is also monitoring Julian Brandt, who is available on a free transfer and previously played alongside Malen at Borussia Dortmund. Gasperini has outlined clear instructions to the Friedkin Group that the attack requires rebuilding, particularly if Paulo Dybala does not renew his contract. Several players are expected to depart, including Zaragoza, Venturino, El Shaarawy, and Ferguson. On the defensive side, Evan Ndicka is viewed as a potential sale to generate funds, with Lucumì emerging as a replacement option. Midfielder Youssouf Koné remains a transfer target for Inter, though he is expected to be available for Monday's match against Fiorentina alongside defender Zeki Çelik. Meanwhile, the club is close to appointing a new sporting director to oversee the summer transfer strategy. Daniele Massara is departing, with candidates including Paratici and Giuntoli, though D'Amico from Atalanta—who has previously worked with Gasperini—appears to be the leading option. On the pitch, Wesley's impact is notable: Roma averages 1.89 points per match with the Brazilian playing, compared to 1.43 without him.

AS Roma face an uncertain situation regarding director Massara, with Paratici reportedly being considered as a potential successor. Meanwhile, midfielder Manu Koné is expected to return to action against Fiorentina after a lengthy absence. Koné has been sidelined since March 19 following a right hamstring injury sustained during the Europa League round-of-16 second leg. Striker Dovbyk is also expected to return to training in the coming week after recent injury recovery. The club's medical situation has stabilized following recent returns of Wesley and Dybala. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini will need a full squad as Roma pursue their Champions League qualification hopes in the final stretch of the season. El Aynaouï will miss the Fiorentina fixture due to suspension after playing in Roma's recent match at Bologna, where he delivered a solid tactical performance with accurate passes and well-timed movements. Competition for Roma's targets appears to be increasing, with multiple clubs vying for players linked to the Giallorossi, including midfielder Brandt. The coming week is shaping up as crucial for Gasperini's squad depth as Roma navigate the closing stages of their campaign.

Wesley delivered an energetic performance on the flank during a recent match at Dall'Ara, creating multiple goal-scoring opportunities. The winger's attacking play and ability to generate chances stood out as a statistical highlight of Roma's performance on the day. Wesley continues to be an important attacking option for Roma, contributing to the team's offensive output. His creativity and pace on the wing remain valuable assets in Gasperini's setup as the team pursues its season objectives.

Roma travel to Bologna on April 25 for a Serie A matchday 34 fixture at the Dall'Ara stadium, with kick-off at 18:00. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed his squad list, with good news on the injury front: Wesley and Dybala are fit and included, while Rensch and Pisilli are also available. However, four players remain sidelined: Koné, Pellegrini, Dovbyk, and Ferguson. The match represents a crucial contest for Roma, who are fighting for a Champions League place and broader European qualification for next season. The return of Dybala and Wesley provides Gasperini with important options in attack and defense respectively, strengthening the squad depth for a fixture that could prove significant in Roma's push for continental football. Roma's full squad includes goalkeepers Svilar, Gollini, and De Marzi; defenders Rensch, Angelino, Ndicka, Tsimikas, Celik, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Wesley, and Ghilardi; midfielders Cristante, El Aynaoui, and Pisilli; and forwards Malen, Soulé, Venturino, Dybala, Vaz, El Shaarawy, and Zaragoza.

AS Roma has made initial inquiries for Yukhym Konoplya, a versatile fullback currently at Shakhtar Donetsk, as the club seeks to strengthen its defensive flanks. The 1999-born Ukrainian defender can play across both fullback positions and has earned multiple caps for Ukraine's national team, where he has shared a dressing room with Roma striker Artem Dovbyk. Roma's interest in Konoplya reflects growing concerns about the club's current fullback options. Konstantinos Tsimikas has underperformed expectations, while Zeki Celik remains uncertain regarding his contract renewal situation. Wesley has shown promise, but the club believes additional quality is needed. Roma's sporting director Paolo Maldini is actively monitoring new fullback profiles ahead of the summer transfer window. Konoplya's contract with Shakhtar runs until September 2026, a factor that could influence negotiations. Several clubs showed interest in him during the previous winter transfer window, including Sassuolo and Ajax. The contract timeline creates potential scenarios for Roma, ranging from a negotiated transfer fee to a possible free transfer if the situation develops further. The initial exploratory contact represents Roma's first concrete move to address the fullback position ahead of the upcoming transfer period.

Roma suffered a 1-0 defeat to Udinese at the Bluenergy Stadium in a disappointing performance that exposed structural weaknesses. The loss came from a controversial goal in the second half when Ekkelenkamp's free kick was deflected by Malen in the wall, with the resulting trajectory deceiving goalkeeper Svilar. Roma's reaction was ineffective, with late chances including a disallowed Cristante goal for offside and a save by Okoye on Mancini in injury time coming too late to matter. The result carries significant consequences for Roma's Champions League hopes. Fourth place is now out of reach with Juventus opening a two-point advantage, forcing Roma into a pursuit against strong competition. The performance highlighted serious limitations: the team lacked incisiveness, struggled with intensity against Udinese's physical approach, and managed no genuinely dangerous chances in the first half. Multiple key absences proved decisive—Dybala, El Shaarawy, Ferguson, and Dovbyk—leaving the attack depleted, while Manu Koné's absence severely impacted midfield control and recovery. Head coach Gasperini made forced substitutions bringing on young players Venturino, Vaz, Pisilli, and Tsimikas in search of energy, though quality and offensive weight remained lacking. Bryan Zaragoza is available for the upcoming fixture against Cagliari at home in the coming days. With the margin for error now considerably reduced, Roma must quickly respond and produce the emotional reaction that has historically followed setbacks.