Dybala to stay at Roma and overhaul training methods to reduce injuries

Wesley is pressing ahead with his rehabilitation from a left adductor muscle injury at AS Roma's training ground, working to be fit and ready for the new season under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The Brazilian right-back, wearing number 43, shared an Instagram photo of himself on a stationary bike at the Centro Sportivo Fulvio Bernardini, accompanied by his daughter as he continues his recovery programme while awaiting the squad's return to begin pre-season training. Wesley's injury had kept him sidelined, but his determination to regain full fitness ahead of the campaign demonstrates his commitment to be in peak condition when Gasperini takes charge of the squad. The club will reconvene at Trigoria to launch preparations for the upcoming season, and the winger-back will be aiming to prove his readiness to the new boss. The player confirmed his training status through social media, offering a glimpse into his personal recovery routine and his focus on returning to full availability for Roma.

Zeki Çelik is poised to sign a new contract with Roma, with an agreement reached between player and club. The Turkish defender will commit on a three-year deal worth just under €3 million per season, with Roma able to benefit from the Decreto Crescita tax incentive. An official announcement is expected in the coming days, though Çelik will not be present at the squad's gathering on 13 July as he receives additional rest following his participation in the World Cup. He is scheduled to return around 20 July. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini requested the contract extension, keen to utilise Çelik's positional versatility. The 27-year-old can operate as a midfielder on the flank or as a right-side centre-back, offering tactical flexibility for Roma's system. The renewal represents continuity in the full-back role and reinforces the club's confidence in Çelik as a key squad member under Gasperini's management.

Leandro Paredes has revealed he attempted to persuade Paulo Dybala to join Boca Juniors, speaking after Argentina's comeback victory over Egypt in the World Cup round of 16 in America. The midfielder confirmed that a move to the Argentine club was among the possibilities under discussion and had crossed Dybala's mind during negotiations. Paredes told reporters in the mixed zone that he had spoken extensively with his compatriot in recent months about the prospect. Dybala, a current Roma player, is in contract renewal talks with the Giallorossi. Paredes said of his teammate: "I spoke a lot with him over these months. It was one of the possibilities on the contract, in his thoughts too. His life is very calm there. So I only wish him the best because he is an exceptional boy." The comments suggest Dybala has chosen to remain in Rome rather than pursue a return to South America at this stage of his career.

Paulo Dybala has discussed his arrival at Roma and his experiences with the club in an interview on the Daavo Xeneize YouTube channel. The Argentine forward credited José Mourinho with bringing him to the Giallorossi, saying the manager called him frequently and wanted him to join. Dybala described his first moments at Roma as a surprise: he arrived thinking he would attend a welcome press conference but found between 10,000 and 15,000 people gathered to greet him. "From the moment I left the Argentine players' line-up, I knew I would shoot down the middle," he said of his World Cup final penalty. "I also knew the goalkeeper would throw himself. Obviously you're going to take a penalty in a World Cup final, so it's an enormous moment. But I wasn't thinking about the fact that I could miss or that the country would criticise me. At that moment I was only focused on what I had to do." Dybala praised Mourinho's impact at the club: "Mourinho is a genius. Beyond what he has done in football, with us he always spoke with respect, he protected us and he loved us. At Roma people fell in love with him for what he gave: a title after many years and a Europa League final that, in my opinion, we deserved." He also commented on the performance of his national teammate, saying: "He is doing well at the World Cup, I follow him carefully. He is a good guy, as well as a strong player at Roma. I am happy for him."

Leandro Paredes has revealed he attempted to persuade Paulo Dybala to join Boca Juniors, speaking after Argentina's comeback victory over Egypt in the World Cup round of 16 in America. The midfielder confirmed that a move to the Argentine club was among the possibilities under discussion and had crossed Dybala's mind during negotiations. Paredes told reporters in the mixed zone that he had spoken extensively with his compatriot in recent months about the prospect. Dybala, a current Roma player, is in contract renewal talks with the Giallorossi. Paredes said of his teammate: "I spoke a lot with him over these months. It was one of the possibilities on the contract, in his thoughts too. His life is very calm there. So I only wish him the best because he is an exceptional boy." The comments suggest Dybala has chosen to remain in Rome rather than pursue a return to South America at this stage of his career.

Leandro Paredes has offered insight into Paulo Dybala's decision to remain at Roma rather than join Boca Juniors. The former Roma midfielder, who was part of Argentina's World Cup squad, revealed he had spoken extensively with Dybala about the move in recent months. Paredes explained that a switch to Boca had been among the options written into Dybala's contract and was something the forward had considered. Ultimately, Dybala chose to stay at the Giallorossi. Paredes praised the decision, noting the stability Dybala has found in Rome. "His life is very tranquil there," Paredes said. "I wish him only the best, because he is an exceptional player." The comments underline Dybala's contentment with his situation at the club despite the temptation of a return to his native Argentina.

Roma radio pundits weighed in on the club's transfer activity and managerial direction, with debate centring on Mason Greenwood's protracted move and Gian Piero Gasperini's influence over recruitment. Torri said on Radio Manà Manà Sport: "With those words Gasperini has reassured me about Roma; evidently what needs to be done in the market will be done. Better like that, but you cannot help noticing the vast difference between the furious Gasperini of 2025 and the smiling one of July 2026." Pruzzo on Radio Radio defended the pursuit of Greenwood as a strategic fit, saying the forward "is a strong player who is trying together with his entourage and Marseille to secure the best agreement. The idea remains that Gasperini wants this player strongly—one who could add many goals alongside Malen and could allow you to play a different campaign." Other analysts expressed caution about the cost involved. Orsi questioned the scale of investment, asking whether Roma should spend 100 million euros (between transfer fee and wages) on Greenwood when the same resources could secure comparable talent elsewhere. Corsi criticised the handling of negotiations, saying Roma could have signed Greenwood earlier by offering 4–5 million euros in wages and paying a smaller fee to Marseille, contrasting the club's approach unfavourably with how AC Milan secured reinforcements under Amorim.

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed Roma's summer plans while in Milan for Sky Sport's season launch event, alongside director Tony D'Amico. The head coach confirmed pre-season training begins Monday next week and outlined the club's immediate priorities. Gasperini said: "We are still on holiday, we start next Monday. These have been mixed holidays, with a lot of work and many thoughts about next season. Certainly after achieving Champions League, we want to be protagonists and do well. But it is still early." On the transfer window, Gasperini stressed that momentum will accelerate imminently. "From next week I think we will get into full swing," he stated, noting that global fixtures have delayed movement in the market. He confirmed Roma's priority is signing wingers and expressed satisfaction with the squad's core, stating: "I believe Roma has shown it has a good base, a solid and competitive group. The ownership's objective is to improve as much as possible." Gasperini also highlighted the talent being tracked, referencing an upcoming international clash involving Koné and El Aynaoui. Regarding the upcoming Champions League campaign, he warned of the competition's intensity: "It is an extremely tough competition. You find teams there that have truly dominated ours. We should arrive competitive and equipped because there is a risk of making poor showings." When asked about Malen, Gasperini dismissed suggestions the winger would be unsettled, saying: "Malen will be very happy at Roma."

Mason Greenwood is Roma's primary transfer target, with head coach Gasperini having worked on the deal for weeks and convinced the English winger of the club's project. While several other attacking options have emerged—including Garnacho, Summerville, Adingra, and Tel—these are viewed as opportunities rather than priorities. Roma's plan remains unchanged: a significant portion of the attack budget is reserved for Greenwood, whom Gasperini considers the right investment despite the importance of spending wisely. Negotiations with Marseille are ongoing, and a wage agreement with Greenwood's representatives must be finalised following the player's latest salary demands. Gasperini has repeatedly stated the principle guiding Roma's strategy: spending large sums matters less than spending them correctly. Greenwood embodies this philosophy—an important but justified investment that aligns with the club's vision. Once the Greenwood situation is resolved, Roma will address other attacking targets, including wide players and a backup for Malen. The English forward remains the singular priority for the Giallorossi.

Mason Greenwood's move to Roma has hit a significant impasse over salary demands. Initially enthusiastic about joining the Giallorossi and having reached an understanding with the club, the English forward's stance hardened after Fenerbahçe tabled a rival offer reportedly worth approximately 7 million euros net per season plus commissions. Greenwood's father and agent have since pushed Roma to increase their wage proposal, but the club remains firm on a ceiling of 4.5 million euros net annually, creating a substantial gap that threatens to derail the transfer. Meanwhile, Roma's hierarchy has progressed swiftly on contract renewals. Extensions for Zeki Çelik and Paulo Dybala are reportedly close to completion, with only official announcement pending. Lorenzo Pellegrini's renewal remains slightly unresolved, with approximately half a million euros still to be settled, though this is described as a minor obstacle unlikely to prevent final agreement. On the academy front, Roma has confirmed the appointment of Massimo Margiotta as new head of the youth academy following his official departure from Verona.

AS Roma is close to completing contract renewals for its core squad following the club's return to the Champions League after seven years. Three players — Paulo Dybala, Zeki Çelik, and Lorenzo Pellegrini — are currently out of contract, with agreements already reached with Dybala and Çelik in recent days; both deals are now in the drafting stage. Pellegrini remains the main outstanding issue, with negotiations ongoing and a potential decisive meeting expected as soon as today. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini told Sky Sport: "The players are happy, the club will handle the announcements." The squad must be finalised before Monday, when the team gathers at Trigoria. Pellegrini is seeking a three-year contract to resist approaches from abroad, while Roma is holding out for a two-year deal. Despite the gap, both sides are expected to reach an agreement, possibly with added options as a compromise. The defensive pair Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante are also due for renewal; Mancini is likely to sign a new three-year contract to ward off interest from Inter, while Cristante could accept two years. Stephan El Shaarawy was recently released from the club following Verona's final match of the season.

Gian Piero Gasperini spoke at Sky Sport's schedule presentation, where he crossed paths with Fabio Capello, Roma's last Serie A title-winning manager. The encounter sparked an exchange between the two, with Capello remarking on Roma's coaching lineage: "After twenty years the story repeats itself: Liedholm, Capello, Gasperini." Gasperini responded by asking if Capello still carried Roma in his heart, affirming the club's enduring pull. Gasperini outlined his ambitions for the season ahead. "After reaching the Champions League, we want to be protagonists once again," he said. The coach acknowledged the influence of the World Cup in drawing attention from players and agents, but stressed that serious transfer activity would intensify once pre-season training began. He confirmed ongoing dialogue with the club's sporting director D'Amico and ownership regarding squad development. On contract renewals for Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Zeki Çelik, Gasperini stated: "The club will handle the official announcements, but we are all happy, including the players—it is a matter of days." Reflecting on last season's podium finish, he noted a strong start and consistent proximity to Champions League places, with only a minor dip in February and March before a strong final stretch. He stressed the squad's solid foundation and competitive group, with the goal of improving further to deliver success for Roma and its supporters.