Dutch World Cup 2026 Squad Features Three Serie A Players, Including Roma's Donyell Malen

Genoa is confident about completing the permanent acquisition of Tommaso Baldanzi from AS Roma, with the club awaiting the arrival of director D'Amico to finalize the deal. The buyout clause is set at €10 million, and Baldanzi is considered a priority for the Rossoblu. New contacts are expected in the coming days regarding the transaction. Baldanzi arrived at Roma in January 2024 but failed to establish himself as a regular starter. Under coach Gasperini, he saw limited playing time and scored just once in six months—a goal against Juventus in December. His departure represents part of Roma's broader transfer strategy to meet financial obligations. The club must generate nearly €60 million in player sales by June 30 and has already confirmed departures including Saud to Lens and Sangaré to Elche. The Baldanzi sale is independent of midfielder Venturino's expected return to Genoa, though Como has also shown interest in that player. Roma's priority target to strengthen the attack is reportedly Mason Greenwood, with alternative options including Summerville, Tzolis, Sauer, and Pepê under consideration. Baldanzi's exit clears space in the squad as the club reshapes its forward line ahead of the new season.

Fenerbahce has intensified its bid to sign Mason Greenwood by holding a meeting with the English forward in England, according to reports from Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu. The Turkish club's executives attempted to reach an agreement with Greenwood during the encounter, with the goal of accelerating negotiations with Marseille before Roma can make a formal offer. Roma has not yet tabled a proposal for the 2001-born winger, but faces mounting competition as other clubs seek to hijack the deal. The transfer race for Greenwood is becoming increasingly complicated for the Giallorossi. Fenerbahce's aggressive approach has forced Roma to consider a counter-move in their efforts to convince Greenwood to join the club. Roma is expected to announce D'Amico soon, as part of broader summer recruitment plans. When asked about Greenwood, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini declined to discuss transfer matters. He said: "Greenwood? No, escono tanti nomi adesso. Parlo solo dei giocatori della Roma" ("No, many names are coming out now. I only speak about Roma's players").

AS Roma has officially completed the sale of defender Saud Abdulhamid to French club Lens. Lens exercised its purchase option after Abdulhamid's loan spell, paying Roma €3.5 million—adding to the €500,000 already paid for the loan deal. The transfer generates a small profit of approximately €2 million for Roma, following a similar financial gain from midfielder Sangaré's sale to Elche. Roma rejected Atletico Madrid's offer for midfielder Koné, reportedly valuing the player higher than the €45 million bid from the Spanish club. Meanwhile, negotiations continue with another club regarding forward Greenwood. The club expects to announce subscription details for the 2026–27 season in the coming week. Off the pitch, Tony D'Amico's appointment as general director is pending official confirmation, expected soon. D'Amico has agreed to a three-year contract worth €1.5 million per season and was recently in Bergamo finalizing remaining details with Atalanta before signing with Roma. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini was also present in Bergamo for a special appearance at a sports academy event marking the 50th anniversary of a tennis tournament.

Mason Greenwood, Marseille's forward, is Roma's primary transfer target this summer. Head coach Gasperini has personally reached out to Greenwood's representatives to test his availability. The club plans to structure the deal by completing a sale first, then making a significant investment to bring the English attacker to the Stadio Olimpico. Gasperini views Greenwood as a top-tier offensive winger whose pace, goal-scoring ability, and technical quality would provide the finishing touch Roma needs alongside Donyell Malen on the wing. Roma has rejected other candidates, including Alajbegovic, deemed too expensive relative to the squad's requirements for an immediately available player. Summerville of West Ham remains on a shortlist of alternatives, though no other names are publicly detailed. The club's strategy prioritizes securing two elite attacking partners for Malen rather than addressing backup options immediately. Any secondary recruitment can wait until primary objectives are achieved. The transfer operation hinges on Roma's ability to offload players and generate funds for what would represent a substantial outlay in the current market.

AC Milan leads Serie A clubs at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with nine players competing in the tournament, which begins on 11 June across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Atalanta, Juventus, and Inter follow closely with seven players each, while Roma ranks fifth with six representatives: Malen, Wesley, Koné, El Aynoaui, Celik, and Ndicka. Lazio has no players competing in the tournament, finishing last among Serie A clubs—behind even the three teams relegated this season and level only with Lecce and newly promoted Monza. The World Cup representation reflects each club's depth and international standing heading into the competition. Roma's six-player contingent demonstrates significant presence at the global tournament despite Italy's absence from the finals. The tournament offers an opportunity for these Serie A players to showcase their abilities on the world stage before the 2026–27 domestic season begins.

Paulo Dybala is on the verge of signing a new contract with AS Roma, extending his deal until 2028. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini played a decisive role in persuading the Friedkin Group to continue backing the Argentine forward, and has personally initiated discussions leading to the renewal. Dybala is expected to continue his partnership with Donyell Malen at the club. Malen has spoken warmly about his connection to Roma and the city, saying: "I adore the city. The fans and the city are fantastic and I like being here. My first memory is the way they welcomed and embraced me—it was beautiful." The Dutch winger expressed admiration for club legend Francesco Totti, describing him as "special." Malen also reflected on his ambitions, noting he believed he had good chances to become the club's leading goalscorer from the start of the season. Defender Evan Ndicka has reaffirmed his commitment to Roma despite transfer rumours, dedicating a message to the recently completed season: "This season gave us unique emotions, great lessons, and memories we will always carry with us." Inter reportedly showed interest in the Ivorian, but Ndicka remains focused solely on Roma.