Dybala signs renewed Roma contract with detailed bonus structure

AS Roma have announced the signing of Leonardo Balerdi from Olympique Marseille on a loan deal with a right of redemption. The Argentine defender, born in 1999, will wear number 26. Balerdi brings substantial European experience, having played for Borussia Dortmund and Marseille across over 200 official appearances. He has earned 11 caps for the Argentine national team. The deal strengthens Roma's defensive options as the club prepares for the 2026-27 season campaign.

Roma have signed Argentine defender Leonardo Balerdi from Marseille on a loan deal with a right of purchase that can become an obligation under certain conditions. Balerdi arrived at Ciampino on 29 August and has been assigned the number 26 shirt. The 1999-born defender strengthens Gian Piero Gasperini's squad as the transfer window enters its final phase. Balerdi brings substantial European experience, having played for Borussia Dortmund and Marseille with over 200 appearances in official competitions. He has also earned 11 caps for the Argentina national team.

Leonardo Balerdi has officially joined AS Roma from Olympique Marseille on a loan deal. The Argentine defender arrived at Ciampino yesterday afternoon and completed his medical before the club announced the transfer. He has chosen shirt number 26. The deal is structured as a loan worth €1 million with a right of redemption that can become an obligation at approximately €15 million, conditional on appearances and Roma's qualification for European football. Balerdi, born 1999, has accumulated over 200 official appearances across his spells in Europe with Borussia Dortmund and Marseille. He has 11 caps for Argentina's national team. The club released a statement: "AS Roma is delighted to announce the arrival of Leonardo Balerdi from Olympique Marseille. The operation is concluded with a loan purchase with a right of redemption. The Argentine defender, class of 1999, has worn the shirts of Borussia Dortmund and Marseille in Europe, totalling over 200 appearances in official competitions. He has 11 appearances with the Argentine national team. He has chosen shirt number 26. Welcome to Rome, Leonardo!"

Lecce and Roma both won their opening Serie A matches on matchday one. Lecce claimed victory against Venezia, while Roma produced a dominant display against Fiorentina. Both teams aim to repeat that success in matchday two. Gasperini plans to field the Dybala–Malen pairing again after their impressive performance against Fiorentina. Lecce manager Di Francesco is considering Geubbels for his first start despite a subdued debut, while Rodrigo Mora is set to feature in Roma's line-up once more.

Gian Piero Gasperini is poised to field a side almost identical to Roma's opening match against Fiorentina when the club travels to Lecce, with Rodrigo Mora expected to retain his place in an attacking role behind Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Two positions remain competitive: on the right flank, Emanuele Lulli, who impressed on his debut, has been tried again in the starting eleven and could earn another chance from the kick-off, though Nahuel Molina remains in genuine contention despite Lulli gaining ground in the pecking order thanks to his showing against Fiorentina. Gasperini's reluctance to rotate comes as he seeks to reward the performances that stood out in that opening fixture. The bench has shifted Devyne Rensch out of contention as he continues to manage a muscle problem. The rest of the eleven appears settled: Wesley on the left, Manu Koné and Bryan Cristante in midfield, and a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. The manager is expected to discuss team selection and the transfer window's closing hours in a press conference scheduled for today. Mora has continued to convince Gasperini through his quality, personality and ability to move between the lines, while Lulli's full recovery from his debut and Molina's international match fitness both position them as realistic contenders. The sense is that Gasperini intends minimal change to the opening side, reserving deeper rotation for later in the season.

Roma travel to Lecce on 31 August with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini intent on maintaining tactical consistency after the Fiorentina match. The team will keep the same attacking structure, with Rodrigo Mora operating in the trequarti alongside the forward pairing of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, who are expected to develop their understanding further. Wesley is certain to start on the left flank. On the opposite wing, Nahuel Molina is set to make his first start, having fully recovered and winning the contest with young squad member Emanuele Lulli. Devyne Rensch remains unavailable due to a muscle complaint, while Lorenzo Pellegrini is not expected to return until September. The midfield will be marshalled by Manu Koné and Bryan Cristante. The defensive line will see Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso deployed in front of goal, with Konstantinos Koulierakis ready to come on during the match. The change from the previous fixture appears limited to Molina's elevation to the starting eleven, underlining Gasperini's confidence in the team's recent form and tactical setup.