Ryan Friedkin, Scala and Roma's summer transfer market: Report investigation

Roma has been searching for a new director of sport, with Manna emerging as a target until recently. Napoli has blocked the possibility of his departure, removing him from consideration for the Roma role. The move represents a setback in Roma's efforts to fill the position, which remains a priority for the club's leadership. Details remain unclear regarding alternative candidates Roma may pursue or the timeline for the appointment.

Roma's search for a new sporting director has encountered a significant obstacle. Manna, the Napoli sporting director who had emerged as the leading candidate for the role, will not be released by Napoli in the near term. The delay marks a sharp reversal for what had appeared to be Roma's strongest option, though it remains unclear whether this represents a temporary slowdown or a permanent end to the pursuit. Roma's management is planning for the future and faces the critical task of appointing a new sporting director among several key decisions. Until recently, Manna appeared set to move to the Giallorossi, but Napoli has blocked his departure. The setback leaves considerable uncertainty about the direction of Roma's sporting hierarchy, with time passing as the club seeks clarity on its leadership structure. Other names remain under consideration, including Tony D'Amico, who is set to leave Atalanta, though Atalanta has identified Cristiano Giuntoli as his replacement. With multiple candidates in discussion but limited clarity on the final decision, details remain unclear regarding when Roma will finalize its choice for the sporting director position.

Italian television programme Report has published an exclusive investigation into Roma's handling of transfers for Wesley and Bailey, focusing on agent Pietro Scala. According to the report, Scala—described as a friend and contemporary of Roma vice-president Ryan Friedkin who knew him through mutual connections—holds no official role at the club but was used as a mediator for both player deals. Wesley, now at Aston Villa, resulted in Scala receiving €140,000 plus a potential €1.5 million bonus upon purchase. Brazilian player Bailey generated €2.2 million in payments to Scala over five years. However, Report states that Scala only obtained his FIFA license to conduct overseas operations in November 2025—several months after both players' contracts were signed. This timeline raises questions about the legitimacy of the arrangements at the time they were concluded. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini responded clearly during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Parma fixture, though details of his specific comments remain unclear. The investigation has generated widespread discussion among Roma supporters regarding governance and transfer procedures at the Friedkin Group-owned club.