Malen at Risk of Bench for Netherlands Against Tunisia

AS Roma has officially confirmed a pre-season friendly against Brighton on 8 August at the American Express Stadium. The match represents a more demanding test than Roma's previously announced fixtures against Cardiff and Newport, which will take place during the club's time in Wales. The friendly is expected to provide Gasperini with more concrete tactical insights as Roma prepare for the new season. Roma's summer preparations will begin on 13 July at Trigoria, where the squad will commence training. Following the initial phase at the club's training ground, the team will relocate to Wales for a series of warm-up matches designed to build match fitness and sharpness before the competitive campaign. The Brighton encounter, scheduled for early August, comes at a crucial stage of pre-season and will offer a substantially higher standard of opposition compared to lower-division sides. Meanwhile, squad updates continue off the pitch, with midfielder Matías Soulé reportedly receiving interest from clubs in the Middle East and Germany. Other areas of focus for Gasperini include defensive reinforcements, with Chelsea's Axel Disasi reportedly under consideration, though details on potential moves remain unclear.

Matías Soulé's future at AS Roma remains uncertain as the club seeks the right offer to sell the Argentine winger. The forward is currently on holiday in Mar del Plata and is avoiding talk of transfers, though he recently posted a cryptic message on social media hinting at his thoughts. Roma views Soulé as the primary candidate to generate the financial gains needed to balance the club's accounts, making his departure a painful but necessary step. Interest from Borussia Dortmund, which was strong several weeks ago, has cooled considerably. Stuttgart's pursuit is also described as a cold lead. However, Saudi Arabian clubs are now moving more decisively, with contacts reportedly underway involving Al Hilal and Al Ahli. These represent the most serious offers on the table as Roma works to secure an appropriate deal. The coming days are viewed as crucial in determining Soulé's next destination. Upon his return from Argentina, his time at Roma could prove to be merely a temporary stop before a permanent move elsewhere.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has outlined his transfer strategy for Roma's defence, prioritizing continuity over upheaval. The club finished the season with the second-best defence in Serie A, conceding just 31 goals. Gasperini intends to keep the core three—Gianluca Mancini, Hermoso, and Ndicka—as the foundation for next season's Champions League campaign. No departures of starting defenders are planned; instead, Roma will pursue targeted additions to strengthen depth and competition. Among the profiles under consideration are Ostigard from Genoa and Disasi from Chelsea. Ostigard, a Norwegian defender known for aerial prowess and physical dominance, is valued at approximately 8 million euros and appeals to Gasperini's tactical preferences. Disasi represents a more costly option; Chelsea is seeking 25 million euros, but Roma are exploring a loan arrangement. Young centre-back Ghilardi, who developed significantly during the season, is expected to remain and potentially become a key rotation option for European fixtures. Ziolkowski, conversely, remains available for transfer as a potential source of profit. Gasperini has consistently emphasized a measured reconstruction: strategic investments without excessive spending, signing players suited to his football philosophy and ready to compete. The coach aims to avoid complacency following third-place finish while building from defensive stability—a proven foundation in Serie A title races. Roma's return to the Champions League after seven years places added emphasis on tactical preparation and depth.

Donyell Malen, AS Roma's forward, has come under scrutiny from Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman after failing to score in matches against Japan and Sweden at the World Cup. Koeman held a lengthy discussion with Malen during training and publicly addressed the situation in a press conference, stating: "Malen knows that he has missed opportunities." The coach acknowledged Malen's quality, adding: "He is an important player for us who can play both as a central striker and on the right." However, Malen risks being benched in the upcoming clash against Tunisia as Koeman favours Summerville on the wing and Brobbey as the central forward. The Tunisia match takes place tonight at 1 a.m. local time and carries significant importance, as victory would advance the Netherlands to the round of 16 against Morocco. Summerville has already netted twice in the tournament's opening two matches and appears to be the preferred option on the wing. Malen's goal contributions have dried up in the competition so far, prompting the tactical reshuffle. Koeman's public comments suggest a measured approach to managing the situation, balancing criticism with recognition of Malen's broader capabilities for the team.

Denis Undav, the Stuttgart striker who has become a standout performer for Germany at the international tournament under Nagelsmann, has renewed his contract with Stuttgart until 2029 with an optional additional year. His emergence as a key player came after scoring three goals in Germany's first two matches, including a decisive double in the comeback victory over Côte d'Ivoire. Before the tournament began, several European clubs had registered their interest in Undav given his existing contract was set to expire in 2027. AS Roma was among those clubs to make enquiries about the forward as they sought a new attacker to partner Donyell Malen. AC Milan had already begun discussions with Undav's representatives, while Como also showed interest. Spanish and Arab clubs were likewise keen on securing the player. However, Undav was determined to clarify his future before the international tournament commenced, prompting Stuttgart to act swiftly. Two days before his departure for the tournament, Undav agreed fresh terms with Stuttgart, with his salary rising to approximately 5.5 million euros per season. The move effectively removed him from the market and ended Roma's pursuit of the forward.

AS Roma has fundamentally altered its approach to recruitment following the departure of former sporting director Massara and the appointment of Gian Piero Gasperini as head coach. Young prospects acquired for future development—including Robinio Vaz, Ziolkowski, Ghilardi, Venturino, and Ferguson—are now considered surplus to requirements. The club has signaled these players may depart, either permanently or on loan, as Gasperini prioritizes immediate-impact signings over long-term investments. Gasperini's vision emphasizes players ready to contribute immediately rather than prospects requiring development time. Ziolkowski, a Polish defender, has reportedly been rejected multiple times by the coach and could leave permanently, with Nottingham reportedly interested at a valuation of 20 million euros. Similarly, Vaz, a French forward, no longer fits the profile of a reliable backup to Donyell Malen. The club has also rejected Bosnian midfielder Alajebgovic (class 2007), whom Massara had long tracked, with Gasperini deeming him too inexperienced despite interest from Bayer Leverkusen at 35 million euros. Roma's new sporting director D'Amico is recalibrating the transfer strategy to align with Gasperini's demands for quality and readiness rather than raw potential. Targets like Mason Greenwood and Molina represent this shift—experienced international players capable of performing on Europe's biggest stages. With Roma now competing in the Champions League, the club believes there is no margin for experimental signings.