·3 September 2026·49d ago

D'Amico hails Champions League qualification; Leweling deal fell through

Roma director of sport Tony D'Amico spoke publicly for the first time in his new role on Tuesday, expressing satisfaction tempered by acknowledgment that the squad remains short in attack. "The Champions League has been given to me by the ownership, the manager and the players," D'Amico said. "I hope that next year I will be able to win it myself too." He did not entirely rule out late additions, stating: "We will assess the list of free agents, but further ahead."

D'Amico confirmed that Roma had reached an agreement with winger Leweling before the player had a change of heart. He also reported progress on another target: "Luiz Henrique? Everything is done, bureaucratic problems with Russia." The sporting director's comments come after Roma qualified for the Champions League by finishing third in Serie A last season.

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Roma's sporting director Tony D'Amico has given his first public account of the summer transfer window, expressing satisfaction at the club's Champions League qualification while acknowledging the squad remains one player short in attacking areas. D'Amico confirmed that Roma successfully retained key figures including Dybala, Pellegrini, Cristante and Mancini by negotiating wage reductions totalling almost €20 million, a 15 per cent cut to the overall wage bill. He also secured experienced reinforcements including de Roon and Balerdi alongside younger prospects, characterizing the strategy as one of rejuvenation supported by established quality.

Two high-profile attacking signings collapsed during the window. D'Amico revealed that a deal for winger Leweling was agreed with Stuttgart and the player, only for the latter to have a change of heart. Luiz Henrique represented a similar story: Roma reached agreement with both player and club, but technical issues prevented completion. Manager Gian De Roon's request for a more physically imposing external attacker went partially unfilled; Mora arrived but offers a different profile. D'Amico noted that identifying an additional attacking option in January remains part of the plan.

Addressing speculation surrounding midfielder Manu Koné, D'Amico dismissed reports of conflict with manager Gasperini, stating: "No official offers arrived to approach the player" and rejecting claims the manager had issued an ultimatum. He stressed that Roma's Champions League return was an inheritance from previous leadership: "I found myself with the Champions League; I didn't earn it. I hope next year to say that I also won the Champions League."

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Forza Roma ↗D'Amico hails Champions League qualification; Leweling deal fell through (this page)
TeleRadioStereo ↗D'Amico: Roma lacking one more player; Leweling deal fell through after rethink, no ultimatum from Gasperini over Koné

Testo Originale / Source Text

“Soddisfatto, ma non troppo. Perché "la Roma è leggermente corta ed è mancato l'esterno d'attacco". Tony D'Amico ieri ha parlato per la prima volta da direttore sportivo giallorosso: "La Champions League mi è stata regalata da proprietà, mister e ragazzi. Spero che il prossimo anno la potrò…”

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

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