Wesley delivers top-player season: already more goals than Cafú and Maicon

Tony D'Amico, Roma's new sporting director, is pushing forward with his first official task: the contract renewal of defender Zeki Celik. The player's representatives and the club are finalizing the terms of a new deal, with a definitive agreement expected to arrive within hours or by the following morning. D'Amico received special dispensation to operate ahead of the official July 1 start date, allowing him to expedite the process. The renewal represents a significant early priority for the new sporting hierarchy. According to reports, there is considerable optimism surrounding the agreement, with Celik expected to provide his final response within 24 hours. The timing underscores Roma's intent to secure key squad members during the summer transfer window under D'Amico's direction. The contract extension comes as part of broader summer activity at the club, which includes additional player renewals and potential departures. D'Amico's swift action on Celik signals his ambition to establish stability within the squad while managing other transfer priorities over the coming days.

Lorenzo Pellegrini turned 30 on June 19, marking a significant milestone for the Roma captain at a crucial moment in his career. The midfielder celebrated privately at midnight with family and close friends, while receiving public birthday wishes from his wife Veronica Martinelli and AS Roma's official channels. Pellegrini's wife shared an emotional message on social media, reflecting on 14 years together: "Ed eccoci qui, amore mio.. sono arrivati anche per te i TRENTA. Se mi volto indietro e ripenso a questi 14 anni insieme, mi sembra incredibile tutto ciò che abbiamo costruito, passo dopo passo. Ma ancora più speciale sarà tutto ciò che ci aspetta, tutto quello che vivremo e condivideremo insieme. Continuiamo a guardarci sempre così, con lo stesso amore, la stessa complicità e la stessa voglia di sceglierci ogni giorno." The timing of Pellegrini's birthday is significant, as his current Roma contract expires in 11 days. However, renewal discussions remain active and progressing positively. While a gap between the two parties remains, ongoing negotiations suggest an agreement is achievable in the coming days. Former Roma player Vincent Candela also sent birthday wishes, calling Pellegrini a "warrior." Despite the contractual uncertainty, Pellegrini's future with the Giallorossi appears secure, with the renewal expected to be finalized soon.

Niccolò Pisilli has given an interview to Idealista in collaboration with AS Roma, discussing his ambitions with the club. The midfielder expressed his desire to achieve increasingly ambitious objectives while wearing the Giallorossi shirt. Pisilli remains a key part of Roma's midfield plans under the club's current sporting structure. His commitment to the project reflects the squad's forward-looking mentality as the club continues building for sustained success in Serie A and European competitions.

Journalists and former players across Rome's radio stations have weighed in on Roma's transfer strategy and squad planning. Piero Torri expressed skepticism about left-back Dodo, stating that a pairing with him on the left and Wesley on the right does not appeal to Roma's vision, partly due to physical considerations. Torri said: "Dodo does not seem to be the first choice. A pairing with him on the right and Wesley on the left convinces little the Giallorossi, precisely for a matter of centimetres. For this reason, Dodo will hardly arrive at Roma. In my opinion, in Gasperini's mind there is the idea of trying to win the championship." Matteo De Santis highlighted that Roma's transfer activity is intensifying, with D'Amico's first priority being contract renewals. He noted flexibility in UEFA's timeline but confirmed the transfer market is heating up, and that Roma will sign two wingers while managing a complex series of player movements. De Santis also referenced Mason Greenwood's potential arrival as an ongoing possibility. Roberto Pruzzo emphasized that any departures should be balanced by strategic additions, particularly warning against losing midfield depth, while Nando Orsi acknowledged that Roma can replace departing players if necessary despite the need to fairly compensate key personnel.

Wesley is working towards his return to fitness after missing out on the World Cup. The Roma defender has expressed determination to come back stronger than before, moving past the disappointment of his late exclusion from the tournament. Wesley remains focused on his rehabilitation and is targeting a full recovery to rejoin the squad. His commitment to bouncing back underscores Roma's hopes of having him available for upcoming fixtures.

Wesley is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during international duty with Brazil and has returned to Roma to rehabilitate before the club's pre-season training begins on July 13. The Brazilian full-back posted on social media a photograph of himself training at home, stating: "I am recovering to come back stronger than before." The injury forced him to withdraw from Brazil's squad after initially being selected, ending his World Cup hopes for the tournament cycle. Wesley had established himself as a top performer for Roma this season before the muscular problem to his biceps femoris disrupted his campaign. His absence was notable given the consistency he had shown for the giallorossi. The recovery work he is undertaking at home is part of a broader effort to regain full fitness and match sharpness ahead of the structured pre-season programme. The defender's message to supporters reflects his determination to return to action as soon as possible and make an impact in the upcoming campaign. Roma's pre-season begins July 13, giving Wesley a window to complete his rehabilitation work before joining the group for tactical and physical preparation.