Tony D'Amico, Roma's sporting director, held a press conference on 2 September to review the transfer window that closed on 1 September. He confirmed that the club had successfully retained four players central to last season's Champions League qualification: Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Bryan Cristante and Gianluca Mancini, who all arrived at the club on 20 June with reduced wages. "I am most satisfied with these first purchases," D'Amico said. "Dybala and Pellegrini were without contract, Cristante and Mancini were approaching expiry. They chose to stay at Roma and we lowered their salaries. I thank them because they made themselves available precisely to remain at Roma."
D'Amico revealed that Roma had reduced their wage bill by 15 per cent, nearly €20 million. He acknowledged that while the squad remains slightly short in one area, there is a plan to address it. "When we talk of an external forward, we are talking of a player capable of playing a dual role. We are slightly short, but with good work we can arrive at the January market to identify another profile," he explained. The club pursued several targets in the final days but failed to complete additional signings. He cited the case of an unnamed player: "The last one, that of Leweling, was practically closed, even with the player, who then had a rethink and we stopped."
D'Amico discussed various operational matters affecting the transfer activity. On midfielder Manu Koné, he stated: "More than a negotiation I would call it a probe. There were informational contacts, but there were no official approaches by us. I read in some media outlets that there would have been an ultimatum from the manager—that is a completely fictitious reconstruction. There were no official offers." Regarding Zeki Çelik's departure to Juventus, D'Amico confirmed he was the first player he spoke to upon arrival and "never had doubts," adding that communication had been complicated because Çelik was away at the World Cup and "the renewal was practically closed" before the player chose to leave.
D'Amico stressed the harmony within the club structure. "There is a proprietor, a sporting direction and a manager. The CEO arrived during the window and there is great sharing in exits and entries. From 20 June every day we have seen each other or via video or in person with the manager and the proprietor. It works as in all clubs—shared choices, discussions, then we come out united in the decision," he said. Roma will now evaluate the possibility of signing free agents to strengthen the squad, particularly at left-back and external forward positions, with decisions to follow.
Testo Originale / Source Text
“Tony D’Amico ha parlato in conferenza stampa per fare un consuntivo sul mercato appena concluso.
“Grazie per essere arrivati numerosi. Ci tenevo a conoscervi prima, ma vi ringrazio per la comprensione, sono stato travolto dal mercato e non ho avuto il piacere di presentarmi, lo facciamo oggi. Vi…”
Read the full article in Italian at Retesport.
