Roma contract negotiations: Dybala and Celik near agreements, Pellegrini situation unclear

Roma's Primavera (youth) squad faces significant departures following the expiration of contracts on 30 June. Three established prospects — Almaviva, Mirra, and Della Rocca — have left the club on free transfers. Almaviva, symbolically linked to Francesco Totti's farewell from football, departs without renewing his contract. Mirra, who captained the Primavera side, will join Atalanta. Della Rocca, who had already featured for Roma's first team and made a Europa League appearance against Panathinaikos, is also leaving. Without an Under-23 team, these three players cannot be fielded in Under-20 or Youth League competitions next season, and no prospect of reversals appears imminent. The departures mark a significant loss to Roma's youth development pipeline following a cycle of promising talent. The club has moved to secure other prospects, with Sala, Forni, Cavaleri, and Russo having their contracts extended. However, uncertainty surrounds Guaglianone (born 2010), whose contract has expired, leaving him available on the free market. Multiple clubs including Como, Ajax, and Bayern Munich are reportedly monitoring the situation as Roma attempts to retain him. The club's youth academy continues restructuring under interim oversight while awaiting appointment of a new youth academy director.

Artem Dovbyk is preparing to depart AS Roma, with Spanish football emerging as his priority. The Ukrainian striker has placed La Liga at the top of his desired destinations as he looks to move on from his time in Rome. Details of potential suitors or the timeline for his departure remain unclear. Dovbyk's exit would mark a significant change in Roma's attacking options following a period with the club. The move would allow both player and club to pursue fresh directions.

Mason Greenwood remains a target for AS Roma, but the club has not yet committed seriously to a move for the Marseille attacker. Journalist Alfredo Pedullà reported that while contacts between Roma and Greenwood's representatives have continued, the giallorossi have decided against accelerating negotiations. Greenwood is viewed as one of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's key targets to strengthen the squad, though he remains on a shortlist of multiple options rather than the sole focus. Pedullà stated: "The contacts have continued, the name should not be ruled out, the profile is very much liked, and dialogue with the entourage has progressed. But up to this moment Roma has decided not to push hard, even if the name (not the only one) should be kept within a very restricted list." He added that no meetings took place at Trigoria regarding the transfer on the day of reporting, and Roma is studying its strategy after concluding the June 30 deadline without sacrificing any key squad members. Roma is expected to present an opening offer to Marseille in the coming days, though it will reportedly fall short of the French club's asking price. The timeline and structure of any potential deal remain fluid as the transfer window progresses.

Radio commentators across Rome's numerous sports stations have weighed in on Roma's transfer activity and contract negotiations. Lorenzo Pes stated: "A major departure will happen. The UEFA extension seems fairly uncertain. Now it's right to focus on Greenwood and contract renewals. There are still days left for Dybala's renewal. I wouldn't talk in terms of hours." Nando Orsi emphasized Roma's constraints, noting: "Roma has financial problems. Then negotiations are difficult. It's not that a football club takes a player just because they want him. It's not simple. You have to think through agents." Luigi Salomone highlighted the challenge posed by foreign competition, suggesting that Atlético Madrid would likely pursue Greenwood over Roma if the Spanish club decided to sell, and that "Roma must grit its teeth. The battle is unequal with foreign clubs. They are at levels too high compared to Italian standards." The discussions reflect ongoing uncertainty around Roma's summer market activity. The commentary suggests significant departures are anticipated, with Greenwood emerging as a primary target for the club. Contract renewals, particularly for Paulo Dybala, remain in progress with no imminent resolution expected. The broader context involves Roma's financial constraints relative to wealthier European competitors.

Commentary figures have reported that agreements have been reached regarding Paulo Dybala and Celik at AS Roma. The discussion touches on transfer negotiations and player arrangements at the club. A separate voice raised concerns about Roma's approach to timing in their operations, suggesting this represents a broader challenge for the Giallorossi. Details remain unclear regarding the specific nature of these agreements and the exact timeline for any announcements or developments.

Bruno Conti has left AS Roma after 53 years with the club, ending his tenure as a player, coach, and youth sector director. Conti's contract expired and he has chosen to step away to focus on his family. The departure was marked by an emotional farewell, with Conti in tears during the announcement. His son Daniele and former manager Daniele De Rossi both posted tributes on social media. Meanwhile, Roma has received word that UEFA is willing to grant a deadline extension to late July for compliance with the Settlement Agreement, addressing financial fair play obligations. The extension applies to multiple clubs under scrutiny, including Marseille, with the World Cup cited as a logistical obstacle preventing timely completion of negotiations. Roma's leadership, including the Friedkin Group, were previously prepared to pay a potential fine of €10–15 million if needed, but the reprieve removes that immediate pressure. On the transfer front, Paulo Dybala is close to renewing his contract with the club. Roma continues to explore attacking options, with interest in Godo of Strasbourg, while Liam Summerville is moving further away from the club's plans. Details of these moves remain unclear.

Zeki Celik is close to signing a new three-year contract with AS Roma following Turkey's elimination from the World Cup at the group stage. The club and player have reached an agreement in principle, with an announcement expected in the coming days. However, Celik will not be Gasperini's starting right-back. The head coach has requested reinforcement on the right flank and views Celik as a versatile option who can operate on either wing or as a right centre-back to rotate with Gianluca Mancini. Gasperini's primary target for the right-back position is a younger profile than Molina, who is considered a secondary option at 28 years old. Dodô is not being pursued, as Roma has not made any formal approach for the player. On the left side, Wesley remains a key part of the plans after rejecting Chelsea and is ready for the upcoming season. Ruggeri is not a target for Roma. The club will seek an alternative to Wesley on the left, with Angeliño expected to depart. Roma continues to work on contract extensions for key players, with Celik's renewal progressing alongside talks with Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini regarding their own deals.

AS Roma is moving toward contract renewals with three key players whose existing deals expire on 1 July: Paulo Dybala, Zeki Celik, and Lorenzo Pellegrini. According to reports, negotiations between the club and the players' representatives are advancing, with agreements expected soon. Dybala has reportedly accepted a significant wage reduction—reportedly more than half his original salary—to remain at Roma, while Pellegrini faces a similar salary adjustment. Celik, a Turkish defender, is valued by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini for his tactical versatility, capable of playing as a right centre-back or as an outside defender. All three players are expected to continue their careers at the Giallorossi. The renewals form part of Roma's broader transfer activity, which will sharpen focus from 1 July onward. Both Dybala and Pellegrini have shown mutual willingness to stay despite the reduced financial terms, reflecting the club's financial restructuring strategy. Celik's renewal aligns with Gasperini's tactical preferences, making him a priority in the coach's plans. Once Dybala and Celik's signatures are finalized—described as imminent—attention will turn to completing Pellegrini's renewal, the final piece in securing this trio's immediate future at the club.

Roma has paused player sales negotiations while in talks with UEFA over a settlement agreement to avoid additional sanctions. The club faces a June 30 deadline to generate required capital gains under UEFA rules, but believes it can negotiate flexibility in the timeline. Matías Soulé remains the key to unlocking the situation; despite interest from Saudi Arabia's Al-Diriyah—reportedly offering around €35 million—Soulé has expressed doubts about his career prospects in the Saudi league and has not committed. The player's decision could come early in July. Roma's ownership and sporting director D'Amico are prioritizing stability over rushed deals and are considering a window through July 15 to complete sales on the club's preferred terms. The club prefers the risk of potential UEFA sanctions to accepting significantly undervalued offers. A corrective economic plan with UEFA may also be discussed in November. Head coach Gasperini continues to pursue reinforcements; Mason Greenwood remains a target, while contract discussions with Çetin, Dybala, and Pellegrini await clearer direction from the club.