Roma in talks with UEFA over Financial Fair Play penalty reduction

Roma is preparing for significant defensive changes this summer, with left-back Jayden Oosterwolde of Fenerbahce emerging as a potential target to replace Ivorian defender Ndicka if he departs. The 23-year-old Oosterwolde, who plays alongside Donyell Malen at international level, has become a regular starter in Turkey, appearing in 44 matches this season with 16 yellow cards. Turkish media outlets have reported keen interest from Roma and Bournemouth—managed by Tiago Pinto—in the defender's future. Fenerbahce is understood to value Oosterwolde at 20–25 million euros, with his contract secured until 2028. Ndicka has attracted attention from several European clubs, including Inter, alongside Premier League and Bundesliga sides. Should he leave, the sale would generate pure profit for Roma after accounting for the player's percentage. Oosterwolde's profile—a centre-back capable of playing left-back—mirrors key attributes of Ndicka. However, such an investment would be difficult to justify with Ndicka remaining at the club. Gianluca Mancini and Juan Hermoso are expected to stay and sign contract renewals, with manager Gasperini's backing. Matteo Ghilarski appears likely to remain, while Łukasz Ziolkowski could depart if suitable offers arrive. The club faces a busy transfer window across multiple positions, including attack and midfield.

Ryan Friedkin, vice president of AS Roma, is preparing to travel to Rome in the coming days to meet with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and discuss the club's strategic direction. The visit aims to address several key issues facing the Giallorossi as they plan for the 2026–27 season and beyond. According to reports, the agenda includes appointing a new sporting director to replace Massara, whose tenure is ending, determining the summer transfer budget and required player sales to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, and establishing priorities for potential departures. Contract renewals for Lorenzo Pellegrini, Paulo Dybala, and Çetin are also on the table. Gasperini has reportedly requested a strong signal from ownership regarding the club's direction and infrastructure. The timing of Friedkin's visit reflects Roma's need to move decisively after delays in recent management decisions. The meetings are expected to lay the groundwork for Roma's future planning, with summer preparations and the transfer window looming. Setting a clear budget allocation and identifying which players may be sold to generate funds will be crucial as the club navigates Financial Fair Play obligations in the coming months.

Former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo has urged the club to avoid competing in the UEFA Europa Conference League, warning that participation would damage the team's summer transfer strategy and set the club back significantly. Speaking on Radio Radio, Pruzzo expressed concern about Roma's direction, stating: "I say just one thing: avoid the Conference. It would condition the transfer market too. To win that cup, a mid-level team is enough. Mourinho wanted that path, to win two cups and then raise the level but it wasn't possible. If you have to restart from the Conference… it seems like going back five years." Roma faces the possibility of dropping into European football's third-tier competition if they fail to secure a top-six finish in Serie A or progress further in other competitions. Pruzzo's comments reflect broader concerns among observers about the club's summer rebuild and the need for strategic decision-making in the transfer window. He suggested the club should appoint two directors of sport—one focused on player sales and another on acquisitions—to manage the expected upheaval in the squad. Mario Mattioli, also speaking on Radio Radio, echoed concerns about Roma's operational structure, noting uncertainty over who would lead recruitment and suggesting the Friedkin Group may rely on agent recommendations rather than appointing a dedicated Italian football executive. The debate highlights questions surrounding Roma's management structure as the club prepares for significant changes ahead.