Friedkin refocus: Roma shifts strategy toward contract renewals

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is expecting to meet with Ryan Friedkin at Roma's training ground in the coming days to begin planning for the next season. The Friedkin family's aircraft landed at Rome's Ciampino airport on Friday afternoon. While Ryan has not yet been seen at the facility, his brother Corbin Friedkin was spotted at Trigoria. Corbin primarily manages Cannes, another club owned by the Friedkin Group, though he has participated in Roma meetings and strategic discussions over the years. Gasperini is keen to address the sporting director position, which is a priority topic for discussion. Current sporting director Massara is expected to leave at the end of the season, and the coach wants clarity on who will collaborate with him to strengthen the squad for the upcoming campaign. According to reports, the leading candidates to replace Massara are Manna and D'Amico, though Giuntoli is also under consideration as he is the only candidate among the three without an existing contract at another club. The meeting represents a crucial moment for Roma's planning as the club looks to build on recent progress and prepare for next season's objectives.

Roma are in an important period as the season approaches its conclusion, with Champions League qualification still possible but challenging. The focus at Trigoria is on contract negotiations, specifically regarding defender Celik and his renewal situation. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is central to discussions about the player's future at the club. Details of any agreement or pact between Gasperini and Celik remain unclear from available information.

Zeki Celik's future at AS Roma remains unresolved despite interest from Juventus, Inter, and Premier League clubs. The Turkish right-back has not signed with any rival club and is willing to wait for a renewed contract offer from Roma, having made a commitment to head coach Gasperini, who values him highly. Gasperini is eager to meet Ryan Friedkin to plan the upcoming season, with contract renewals — including for Celik — a key priority. Celik is among several Roma players whose contracts expire in June, alongside Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and El Shaarawy. Roma is now reconsidering its valuation of the former Lille player after initial negotiations stalled. The club had quoted a salary of 4 million euros net, to which the Growth Decree tax benefits would apply. Though a substantial figure, Roma has resumed dialogue, recognizing that replacing Celik at comparable quality would cost considerably more on the transfer market. The player's commitment to his promise to Gasperini and Roma's willingness to continue negotiations suggest a renewal remains feasible, though details of any formal agreement have yet to be reached.