Ryan Friedkin returns to Roma headquarters as club begins search for new sporting director

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is prioritizing contract extensions for defenders Celik and Lorenzo Pellegrini as Roma prepares for an upcoming match against Fiorentina. Gasperini has identified these renewals as key priorities for the club, with the focus on securing the future of both players. The contract situation comes as the club awaits Ryan Friedkin's arrival and continues to finalize its strategic direction for the season ahead.

Italian radio commentators have voiced concern about Roma's direction under the Friedkin Group ownership. Piero Torri of Radio Manà Manà stated: "I believe we are behind schedule. This ownership navigates without direction. The Ranieri-Gasperini-Massara trio lasted essentially two months, then in practice ten. I hope things are done well: Roma needs to be more of a football club. I see an empty Roma. Roma is already behind schedule, in two months the next season begins. The risk of facing disappointments is concrete." Former striker Roberto Pruzzo commented on Roma's strikeforce, noting the club has three centre-forwards and expressing hope that Dovbyk finds a new opportunity elsewhere. He believes Roma could strengthen by acquiring two new starting-level forwards to make a quality leap. Lorenzo Pes added that Dovbyk represented one of the most misguided investments in recent years, while also discussing Paulo Dybala's potential future at Boca Juniors or his willingness to remain in Rome if circumstances allow. The commentary reflects broader anxiety among Roma observers about the club's management structure and transfer planning as the new season approaches. The frequent managerial changes and perceived lack of coherent strategy have intensified doubts about whether the current ownership can deliver sustained sporting success.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has requested an urgent meeting with the Friedkin Group to discuss Roma's financial constraints as the club navigates UEFA Fair Play regulations ahead of the June 30 deadline. Gasperini wants clarity on the club's transfer budget and which key players may need to be sold to comply with financial rules. The technical staff is also studying ways to reduce the payroll target from the initially planned 80–85 million euros, potentially by 25–30 million euros, bringing it below 60 million to better utilize UEFA's permitted flexibility. The coming weeks are critical for Roma's planning. Gasperini needs to understand how the incoming director of sport—with candidates including D'Amico and Manna among others—will operate in the transfer market. Beyond financial matters, the club must also address the departure of Massara and find his replacement, with Giuntoli and Paratici mentioned as possibilities, though D'Amico, Manna, and Sogliano remain the primary targets. The coach has made clear his preferences, but the final decision rests with ownership. Meanwhile, Morrow, Roma's financial officer at Trigoria, is developing a plan to reduce spending figures while respecting UEFA's restrictions. The strategy aims to maximize the allowance for flexibility that UEFA grants based on behavior in preceding years. Roma also awaits the arrival of Ryan, with the expectation that this could materialize soon.