Dybala Turned Down Juventus and Napoli to Remain at Roma

Giallorossi.net launched a new transfer feature on 2 October examining potential signings to fit Roma's tactical needs under Gian Piero Gasperini. The inaugural instalment focuses on Archie Brown, the left-back at Fenerbahçe who scored against Roma on 10 September in the opening Champions League fixture—a performance that earned him the UEFA man-of-the-match award. Brown, born 28 May 2002, is 24 years old, 1.90 metres tall and naturally left-footed. He plays primarily as a left-back but operates across the entire flank and can adapt to a tighter defensive line as a centre-back. He progressed through Derby County's academy before moves to Lausanne, then Gent, before joining Fenerbahçe in summer 2025 for approximately €8 million on a contract to 2028 with an option for a further season; Gent retained a percentage on future sales. The article notes he mirrors the profile Roma pursued over the summer: Jayden Oosterwolde, a tall, athletic left-sider capable of multiple defensive and attacking duties. Brown and Oosterwolde both play for Fenerbahçe but differ subtly—Brown leans more naturally to wing play, while Oosterwolde carries stronger defensive characteristics and centre-back adaptability. In the 2025-26 season Brown recorded 4 goals and 6 assists across 36 appearances for Fenerbahçe in all competitions. He covers ground through stride length and power rather than pure pace, arrives in the final third without sacrificing defensive solidity, and brings a rare combination of height and mobility for a modern full-back. The article identifies weaknesses: he is not devastatingly quick, technical execution under pressure requires improvement, and defensive rigidity against rapid wingers in tight spaces can be exposed. He does not consistently create chances but progresses play through runs and box entries. Transfermarkt values him at approximately €12 million, though Fenerbahçe would likely demand significantly more given his age, performance, contract length and Gent's percentage. The article suggests a realistic market valuation of €15–20 million, a substantially lower cost than other players linked to Roma.

Roma director Tony D'Amico is preparing to reopen talks over Endrick this summer after the Brazilian forward's move to the Giallorossi stalled in the transfer window. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, D'Amico had effectively concluded a loan deal with Real Madrid before Endrick withdrew following direct contact from José Mourinho, who promised the player greater playing time. That promise has not materialised: Endrick has played just four minutes so far this season in a single appearance against Elche, with competition in Real's attacking department remaining fierce. Roma are keeping channels warm and D'Amico is ready to return to the charge in January if Endrick's minutes do not improve in the coming weeks. The Champions League fixture against Real offers a timely opportunity to reopen discussions. The player's representatives are reportedly reassessing a loan move that would guarantee regular football, on the lines of the spell he had last season at Lyon. Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has publicly stressed the need for young talents to play regularly in order to develop. From a tactical standpoint, Gasperini sees Endrick as capable of operating across the entire attacking front. He would not be the classic left-footed attacking midfielder Roma have pursued in recent months, but he would bring what the squad currently lacks: pace, acceleration and the ability to attack in depth. That profile makes him one of the most interesting options available ahead of January. In summer, both Real Madrid and Endrick himself had already agreed to the deal before Mourinho's intervention. If playing time continues to remain minimal, convincing the forward to leave this time could prove considerably easier.

Roma are preparing to revive their interest in Endrick during the January transfer window after the Real Madrid forward's lack of playing time this season. Last summer the Brazilian was close to joining Roma on loan, but José Mourinho persuaded him to stay at the Bernabéu. With Endrick having played only 4 minutes since the start of the season, Roma's sporting director Tony D'Amico is ready to reopen talks with the player's representatives. D'Amico had essentially closed a loan deal last summer before Endrick's change of mind. Roma now plan to try again in January if the Brazilian's game time continues at the same level. Endrick himself is becoming convinced that a loan move similar to his spell at Lyon last year could be the right solution. Under Gasperini, Endrick would be the type of player capable of providing the direct running and space-attacking style the Roma coach has been seeking. The signing would not fulfil Roma's long-standing search for a left-footed attacking midfielder, a position the club has been targeting for over 16 months. The Spanish press has confirmed that Roma and Endrick were very close to an agreement in summer before Mourinho's intervention blocked the transfer. With Mourinho able to field numerous attacking stars at Real Madrid, the chances for Endrick to play remain minimal, making a January departure increasingly likely.

Roma held a training session at Trigoria on Friday 2 October, with director of sport Vincenzo D'Amico present alongside head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as the club prepares for the resumption of Serie A action. Three players were absent from the session due to injury: Bryan Cristante, Donyell Malen and Wesley. Cristante's situation is the most concerning. The midfielder is suffering from knee inflammation, and his availability for the away fixture against Como on 11 October appears very unlikely. The injury threatens to affect his readiness for Roma's Champions League match against Real Madrid just three days after the Como game. Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini trained regularly with the group and are both working to build their fitness during the international break, aiming to increase their influence in Gasperini's plans for the Como match. Roma face a demanding run of matches after the domestic season resumes, and the medical staff will continue monitoring the injured players as they seek to have as many men available as possible for the opening stretch of the campaign.

With a long international break giving Roma players downtime, the squad has been pursuing a diverse range of hobbies away from the pitch. Wesley has garnered attention for his collection of luxury cars stored in his garage, a sight that prompted teammate Soulé to make a quip about his fellow defender's automotive passion. The Brazilian is far from alone in his interests: Manu Koné, the French midfielder, describes himself as a homebody who loves spending his days resting at home, driven by an unconditional passion for French rap and trap music. His dancing and musical performances have become iconic within the group. Mario Hermoso prefers to listen to music by the pool and at the beach, his two great loves, and has recently become involved in the social ritual of mate preparation alongside Argentine players Dybala, Soulé, Balerdi, Castro and Molina. The traditional infusion travels everywhere with them, from long team bus journeys to sessions at Trigoria, serving not simply as a beverage but as a way to unwind and chat. Evan N'Dicka has revealed a strong attraction to architecture and art, appreciating Rome's historical richness during his leisure time and regularly reading history books at home. Marten de Roon curates his social media and seeks out food and wine experiences, while Mile Svilar dedicates considerable time to work with his mental coach before matches, regularly practising visualisation and breathing exercises to train self-control.

The Argentine Football Association has reportedly filed an appeal to reduce Nahuel Molina's suspension from seven matches to three following the fracas at the end of the World Cup. If successful, the Roma defender could return to Scaloni's squad as early as the November international break. Molina and Paulo Dybala did not travel for Argentina's final match with Messi, with Roma citing sporting and logistical reasons ahead of the Como away fixture. Former Roma academy product Riccardo Pagano, now at Cesena, reflected on his years at Trigoria. "I entered as a child. It wasn't easy to leave, but the moment had come," he said. Pagano recalled a key moment under José Mourinho: "After my retirement he called me into his office and told me: 'From now on you'll be permanently in the first team, you'll be one of us. I really liked you.'" He also spoke warmly of his bond with Luigi Cherubini: "We practically grew up together; we speak every day." Meanwhile, Rome's City Assessor for Urban Planning Maurizio Veloccia provided an update on Roma's new stadium project. He described it as "one of the most beautiful projects ever built in Italy, with sustainable materials and innovations linked to energy and the recovery of natural resources." Public works to ensure safe access and egress will cost approximately €100 million, entirely borne by the club. In total, "Roma will invest €1.5 billion," while the municipality will reinvest several tens of millions in the area and approximately €180 million on Line B metro signalling systems.