Fenerbahçe Move Ahead of Roma in Race for Greenwood

Alessandro Romano scored on his Serie A debut for Cagliari against Parma this summer, immediately attracting attention from Italy's national team coach Roberto Mancini, who watched him from the stands at the Tardini. The midfielder, born in Winterthur, Switzerland, to an Italian family, holds dual citizenship and has previously represented Swiss youth sides but has not yet played for the Swiss senior team. Mancini has already begun efforts to persuade Romano to choose Italy over Switzerland. Romano's journey began when Bruno Conti spotted him in 2022 and brought him to Roma's Trigoria academy. The midfielder progressed through the Giallorossi system with strong form at Under-18 level, recording six goals and eight assists in 30 appearances, and worked closely with former manager Daniele De Rossi during his development with the first team. After making his professional debut in the closing stages of Lecce–Roma last season under Gian Piero Gasperini, Romano was loaned to Spezia in January 2025, then sent on a temporary deal to Cagliari this summer under manager Pisacane, with a purchase option that will automatically convert to an obligation. Romano described De Rossi as an "exceptional" coach and cited the chance to observe midfielder Leandro Paredes as formative. Speaking about his international future, he said: "It is not a priority." The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is pushing to secure his talents. His opening goal for Cagliari and immediate first-team selection have already sparked regret among Roma supporters on social media, who lament yet another academy graduate being allowed to depart too soon.

Roma has made a formal proposal to Benfica for Colombian midfielder Richard Rios as the club steps up its efforts to land the 24-year-old in the final days of the transfer window. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has maintained his interest in Rios throughout the summer, and sporting director Tony D'Amico has now actively reengaged with the player's representatives to explore the scope for an agreement on contract terms. The proposal comes as Roma attempts to persuade Benfica to let the midfielder leave Portugal, though the club has shown little appetite for negotiations and is demanding more than €30 million. Benfica signed Rios from Palmeiras last summer for approximately €27 million, a deal that concluded a lengthy pursuit in which Roma also attempted to enter the race for his services. The midfielder's name has now returned to the agenda precisely as the transfer market approaches its closure, with D'Amico taking concrete first steps to establish whether there remains genuine scope to bring Rios back into Roma's plans. Rios, a Colombian international, has been on Roma's radar for some time but the Benfica president's stance suggests a deal will prove difficult. Roma's interest centres on the player's physical attributes and technical qualities, which continue to appeal to Gasperini's footballing vision. The €30 million asking price represents a significant valuation for a player Benfica acquired only a year ago, placing the onus on Roma to either improve their financial offer or negotiate alternative terms with the Portuguese side.

Roma have tabled an official offer to Benfica for Colombian midfielder Richard Rios in recent days, sporting director D'Amico reportedly initiating contact with the player's representatives to reach agreement on contract terms. Head coach Gasperini has kept Rios at the centre of the club's midfield reinforcement plans throughout the transfer window. Benfica are demanding more than €30 million to release Rios, the fee they paid Palmeiras last summer after previous Roma attempts and protracted negotiations handled by Ricky Massara had failed to secure his signature.