Roma close to naming new sporting director as Napoli blocks Manna
Transfer News·16 May 2026·4h ago

Roma close to naming new sporting director as Napoli blocks Manna

Source: Forza Roma

AS Roma is approaching a final decision on a new sporting director to replace Ricky Massara, with the club conducting an active search. Napoli has blocked its own director Manna from leaving, moving him further away from Roma's reach. According to Matteo Moretto, the Friedkin Group is considering multiple candidates, with Sogliano from Verona emerging as a favored option. Moretto stated: "I confirm that the Friedkins value Sogliano highly; he is one of the names but not the only one and we are close to the choice. Manna remains 'blocked' by Napoli, which is not opening the door to his departure."

Finding a new sporting director is described as a key step in building Roma's future. The timing of this decision is significant, with Ryan Friedkin present in Rome to oversee the process and address other matters, including contract renewals with existing players. While Sogliano has impressed the ownership, Roma's leadership is keeping other alternatives under consideration before making their final appointment.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

Machine-scraped Italian — paste into Google Translate for a full read.

Il Napoli continua a 'bloccare' il suo direttore sportivo e si allontana dai giallorossi, che però si avvicinano alla decisione finale. Conferme sul gradimento per il dirigente del Verona, che non è l'unico nome Redazione 16 maggio - 12:30 La forza delle idee: servono più Malen Una delle tappe principali per costruire la Roma del futuro è senza dubbio l'arrivo del nuovo direttore sportivo al posto di Ricky Massara. In queste settimane sono in scena dei veri e propri casting, con Manna sempre più lontano. Come sottolinea Matteo Moretto sul canale Youtube di Fabrizio Romano, è "molto vicina alla scelta finale del nuovo ds. Confermo che i Friedkin stimano anche Sogliano, è uno dei nomi ma non è l'unico e siamo vicini alla scelta. Manna resta 'bloccato' dal Napoli, che non dà aperture al suo addio". Sono giorni fondamentali, anche con l'arrivo di Ryan Friedkin nella capitale, con l'obiettivo di definire al meglio anche la questione rinnovi. © RIPRODUZIONE RISERVATA Commenta Continua la lettura Commenti Invia Commento Tutti Leggi altri commenti

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