Koné, Malen and other Roma players: World Cup group stage situation

AS Roma and Cagliari have reached an agreement over the transfer of Alessandro Romano. The deal comes after recent negotiations between the two clubs, with details of the move now finalized. Romano's departure marks another outgoing transfer for Roma as the club continues to reshape its squad. The nature of the agreement and whether it involves a permanent move or loan arrangement remains unclear, though the clubs have confirmed they have reached a consensus on the player's future.

AS Roma and Cagliari have reached an agreement over the transfer of Italian-Swiss midfielder Alessandro Romano, born in Winterthur. The deal is structured as a permanent move, with the next stage requiring Romano to agree personal terms with the Sardinian club. The transfer fee stands at 6.5 million euros. Romano spent the previous season on loan at Spezia and now appears set to join Cagliari on a definitive basis. The sale represents a positive development for Roma's financial position, particularly regarding capital gains as the summer transfer window progresses and deadlines approach. The club continues to manage its squad and generate revenue through player departures during this period. Meanwhile, Mile Svilar has been working in the gym during his vacation as he prepares for the new season. Details regarding the exact timeline for Romano's move remain unclear, though the framework between the two clubs is now in place.

Marseille has publicly signalled it will not sell Mason Greenwood at a discount despite financial pressure to offload players. A source from the French club's management told L'Equipe: "Many think we will sell Greenwood cheaply because we are forced to sell. But they are wrong. There are too many symbolic and financial aspects at stake in this dossier." The statement underscores Marseille's resolve to secure a fair price for the English forward, though time is running short in the transfer window. Meanwhile, Roma's sporting director D'Amico has publicly outlined conditions for any club seeking to acquire midfielder Koné. The move signals Roma's intention to hold firm on valuation for the French midfielder as interest mounts. Separately, Roma continues to field approaches for Matías Soulé. Borussia Dortmund's interest is reportedly cooling, while Stuttgart's pursuit is intensifying. Saudi Arabian clubs including Al Hilal and Al Ahli have also made contact regarding Soulé, suggesting multiple competitive bids may emerge. Roma is awaiting what it considers the right offer before allowing Soulé to depart. Defender Gianluca Mancini and midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini were recently spotted together in Ibiza, while reports indicate forward Romano is edging closer to a move to Cagliari, with an agreement between the clubs reportedly nearing completion.

Donyell Malen faces the possibility of being benched for the Netherlands' decisive Group F match against Tunisia. Coach Ronald Koeman indicated that Malen is aware he has squandered opportunities in the tournament. The AS Roma winger is under pressure to deliver as the Dutch prepare for a crucial group-stage fixture. Malen has been a key player for Roma this season but his international form has drawn scrutiny from the national team coaching staff.

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 defender Ndicka is pushing for his first World Cup appearance as Ivory Coast prepare to face Curacao in a crucial knockout-stage qualifier. The 26-year-old has been sidelined for the tournament's opening matches and is competing with Singo for a starting berth. Ivory Coast manager Faé signalled Ndicka's availability ahead of the fixture, stating: "Ndicka is available." A win against Curacao would secure Ivory Coast's passage to the round of 16, making it a pivotal moment for both the team and the Roma player, who has never featured in a World Cup match despite earning his international debut in 2023. Ndicka joined Roma under Gian Piero Gasperini's tenure and remains central to the club's defensive plans. His absence from the early World Cup action stems from match fitness concerns, though Roma supporters have rallied behind him on social media, calling for his inclusion in the starting lineup. The versatile defender represents one of several Roma players competing at the tournament alongside figures such as Koné and El Aynaoui, each fighting for minutes with their respective nations. The Curacao match carries historic significance for Ndicka—a chance to write his World Cup story after missing out on Qatar 2022. With social media backing and manager approval, the onus now falls on Faé to confirm his selection. The fixture offers the Roma player both a personal milestone and a critical contribution to Ivory Coast's tournament progression.

Morocco's coach has reconfirmed El Aynaoui in the starting lineup for the crucial World Cup match against Haiti, with the AS Roma midfielder set to form a central midfield partnership with Amrabat. El Aynaoui has been among Morocco's standout performers in the tournament, featuring prominently in the team's draw against Brazil and victory over Scotland, displaying balance, intensity, and composure in his displays. The African nation arrives at the Haiti fixture needing a win to secure mathematical qualification for the round of 16. With one more match to play before reaching their target, Morocco will rely on El Aynaoui's recent form as a key part of their bid for advancement in the competition. The midfielder has attracted attention for his performances and continues to be a cornerstone of his national team's midfield setup. Meanwhile, Roma midfielder Svilar is maintaining his fitness during the summer break, continuing gym work even while on vacation as the club prepares for the new season.

Roma's Serie A season will kick off on a Monday, with a friendly match against Cardiff scheduled as part of pre-season preparations. The fixture is part of the club's build-up to the new campaign. In transfer news, several major Spanish clubs are reportedly monitoring El Aynaoui, suggesting interest from La Liga sides. Details remain unclear on the specific timing of Roma's opening league fixture and the extent of Spanish interest in El Aynaoui.