Roma to announce Tony D'Amico as new sporting director

AS Roma has turned down a €45 million bid from Atlético Madrid for midfielder Manu Koné, according to reports. The club is unwilling to sell its key players at discount prices, despite needing to generate approximately €60 million in profit by 30 June. Roma has set a minimum asking price of €50 million for the French midfielder, a valuation that could increase further given his expected prominent role in the upcoming World Cup with France. Koné remains one of Roma's most attractive assets and has drawn interest from major European clubs. This rejection mirrors Roma's stance with Inter last year, demonstrating the club's resolve not to make quick sales without securing appropriate fees. The Friedkin Group's ownership appears committed to maximizing value from any departures rather than accepting below-market offers, even under financial pressure. Other players potentially available for transfer include Ndicka and Soulé, though Roma's strategy remains unchanged: no discounts will be offered. The club's approach reflects a determination to balance its financial requirements with protecting the quality of its squad.

Tony D'Amico is set to become AS Roma's new sporting director following meetings with Atalanta to finalize his contract termination. An official announcement is expected in the coming days, with D'Amico reportedly agreeing a three-year deal worth 1.5 million euros per season. Today he travels to Bergamo to complete the final details of his departure from Atalanta, where he has worked alongside Gasperini for three years. D'Amico will inherit a substantial workload at Roma, including contract renewals for Lorenzo Pellegrini, Paulo Dybala, and Celik, as well as managing player sales before the June 30 deadline. The director and Gasperini are reuniting after their successful period at Atalanta, during which they won the Europa League in 2024 and reached the Coppa Italia final the same year. Gasperini is also in Bergamo today for a charitable event, though the two are unlikely to meet in person given their schedules. Recent contacts between them have been frequent as they prepare to work together again at Roma.

Roma is preparing to generate profit through player sales ahead of the June 30 financial deadline to comply with financial regulations. The club is moving toward exits for players including Sangaré, with Ziolkowski also potentially departing. The need to achieve these sales reflects Roma's requirement to balance the books within the current financial year and meet imposed financial constraints.