Roma identifies its untouchable players: Svilar and Wesley among core pillars

Wesley has returned to Trigoria, AS Roma's training ground, following an injury sustained while playing for Brazil shortly before the 2026 World Cup. The winger is accelerating his recovery programme at the club's facility. Wesley's swift return to Roma's base suggests the club is prioritizing his rehabilitation after the international setback. Details regarding the specific nature and expected timeline for his return to full training remain unclear.

Evan Ndicka was absent from Ivory Coast's 1–0 World Cup opening victory over Ecuador on June 14 due to a second-degree muscle injury sustained in Roma's derby against Lazio at the end of May. The Ivory Coast coaching staff has signalled confidence in the Roma centre-back's recovery, suggesting he was only included in the squad because they believe he will be fit to play at some point during the competition. Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé addressed Ndicka's status in a press conference, stating: "I'm not a doctor, so I can't tell you exactly what his physical problem is, but if there hadn't been the possibility of getting him back in time for the competition we wouldn't have called him up, we would have replaced him." Faé added: "The fact that he's here means we believe he can become available at a certain point." The coach is hopeful of having Ndicka available soon, potentially for Ivory Coast's next match against Germany on June 20.

Multiple Serie A clubs are tracking a player known as Vaz, with both Bologna and Genoa expressing interest. Roma has opened the door to a loan departure. Head coach Gasperini's attacking plans appear set for significant changes, with the primary incoming target remaining Greenwood. The specifics of Vaz's status and which player is being referenced remain unclear from the available text.

Several Saudi Arabian clubs have expressed interest in signing Matías Soulé, while a separate transfer target identified as Paixao appears to be moving away from Roma's grasp. In recent statements, Faccini has declared that Mile Svilar, Donyell Malen, and a player referred to as Koné are considered untouchable and will not be sold. The comments reflect Roma's strategy to retain key squad members while exploring potential outgoings in the transfer market. Details on the specific Saudi clubs involved and the current status of Paixao negotiations remain unclear.

A Roma figure identified as Faccini has stated that goalkeeper Mile Svilar, midfielder Konè, and winger Donyell Malen are not for sale in the transfer market. Faccini, who grew up in Roma's youth academy and scored the first goal of the club's historic 1982–83 Serie A title-winning season, made the declaration regarding the club's transfer strategy. The statement signals Roma's intent to retain key players during the upcoming market window, reinforcing their commitment to building around this core group under current management.

Mile Svilar has earned high praise from Silvano Martina, the longtime agent of legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. In comments on a YouTube channel, Martina highlighted Svilar's exceptional performance, stating: "Speaking of Serie A, certainly Svilar's performance was that of the best goalkeeper of the championship. In absolute terms my preference is for Maignan. In absolute value I think what Maignan did should be recognized." Svilar has become a key figure in Roma's recent resurgence, including the club's return to the Champions League, and his profile is valued across European football. However, the goalkeeper remains focused solely on his future at Roma. Martina also addressed the possibility of Buffon joining Roma in the past. He revealed that Roma made a serious push to sign Buffon when Franco Baldini was at the club, with negotiations involving club official Sensi. The discussions were advanced and the deal appeared close, but ultimately fell through due to financial constraints and other factors. Martina explained: "We were with Sensi, they were thinking about it, they wanted him, but we were talking about important figures. Then Juve spent even 30 billion more than what Roma would have wanted to spend again in 2013. Theoretically the thing was done, then at the last moment nothing happened." He suggested that with cooperation from both sides, the transfer could have been completed. Buffon ultimately remained at Juventus during that period.

Wesley has returned to Trigoria, AS Roma's training ground, following an injury sustained while playing for Brazil shortly before the 2026 World Cup. The winger is accelerating his recovery programme at the club's facility. Wesley's swift return to Roma's base suggests the club is prioritizing his rehabilitation after the international setback. Details regarding the specific nature and expected timeline for his return to full training remain unclear.

PSV Eindhoven's attempt to sign Salah-Eddine permanently has collapsed. The Dutch club made an offer of eight million euros to secure the Moroccan left-back, but an agreement could not be reached with the player's representatives. Salah-Eddine, currently competing at the World Cup, will return to Roma and will evaluate other offers from European clubs during the summer transfer window. Roma hopes to sell the defender before 30 June to record another capital gain, following similar sales of Saud, Sangaré, and Baldanzi. However, the player faces an uncertain path at the club. Head coach Gasperini was not convinced by Salah-Eddine during pre-season preparations last summer and is unlikely to consider him for the upcoming campaign. Wesley remains the established left-back for Roma's starting XI, while the future of Angeliño remains unclear as the Spanish player expresses a desire to stay, though Roma will assess any summer offers that arrive. Details remain unclear regarding the exact negotiations between PSV and Salah-Eddine's agents or the timeline for potential departures.

Germany delivered a dominant performance in their World Cup Group E opener, defeating Curaçao 7–1. After a shaky start in which Curaçao's Comenencia equalized an early goal by Nmecha, Germany took control. Schlottenberg restored the lead before half-time, and Havertz converted a penalty to make it 3–1 at the interval. The Arsenal forward completed a brace in the 88th minute, with additional goals from Musiala and Undav sealing a commanding victory for Julian Nagelsmann's side. Germany's Group E also includes Ivory Coast and Ecuador. AS Roma midfielder Wesley was spotted relaxing at sea near Ponza following his disappointment at the World Cup, suggesting he is taking time away from competition after the tournament. Meanwhile, Roma's transfer activity continues to develop around players linked with moves away from the club, including Matías Soulé, who is reportedly attracting interest from Fenerbahçe.