Fofana Profile: Pure Talent and Endless Running Power

Roma's pursuit of a right-back has hit difficulties on two fronts. Feyenoord rejected a 29.5 million euro offer for Givairo Read, which included 4.5 million in bonuses; the Dutch club demands a guaranteed 30 million without add-ons. Simultaneously, Atlético Madrid turned down Roma's opening bid for Nahuel Molina—a 17 million euro proposal structured as a loan with an obligation to buy (bonuses included). Atlético have signalled they require 20 million euros to part with the Argentine defender, arguing that if they must sacrifice the player, the fee must justify it. Molina, who spent a brief holiday in Rome with his family last November, has also requested wages Roma have not yet matched; he earns approximately 2.5 million euros annually in Spain and is seeking a significant increase. Sporting director Florian D'Amico is not prepared to exceed his current budget for Read. Signing Molina would save Roma 10–12 million euros in transfer fees compared to the Feyenoord option, with those savings potentially redirected toward the offensive winger position—specifically Antonio Nusa, though RB Leipzig continue to demand 60 million euros for the Norwegian.

Roma defeated Newport 4–1 in a pre-season friendly in Wales, with Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk combining in attack. Mario Hermoso opened the scoring from a regista role in the 37th minute before Castro converted a penalty kick in the second half. Koulierakis added a third from a Dybala assist, and Matías Soulé finished with a curling strike; Newport scored a consolation goal. Donyell Malen was absent due to fever. Ryan Friedkin attended the match and will weigh in on ongoing transfer activity. Roma's pursuit of Feyenoord winger Read has stalled after the Dutch club raised their asking price to over €30 million overnight on Monday. The demand prompted the club to shift focus to Atlético Madrid's Molina, with Roma lodging an offer of approximately €17 million (including bonuses). Molina, a former Udinese player, currently earns €2.8 million annually in Spain. Other defensive targets remain under consideration, including Savona and Fresneda, though funds saved on Read may be redirected to securing an additional winger alongside Molina. Roma has narrowed Torino's valuation for Cacciamani and a decisive meeting with the Turin club is scheduled today. The club also plans a final push for Nusa, with Lyon midfielder Fofana lined up as a backup option if that approach fails.

Roma are pursuing Brazilian forward Endrick as Gian Piero Gasperini seeks to strengthen his squad further this summer. The club has been tracking the Real Madrid player for more than a month, with technical director D'Amico hoping to replicate the structure of the Nico Paz deal. The breakthrough came when Endrick, a 2006-born prospect, communicated to Real Madrid his desire to leave, according to transfer analyst Yagiz Sabuncuoglu. The player wants to feel like a protagonist and is seeking greater playing time after feeling he is not a priority at the Bernabéu. Gasperini has made it clear he requires at least four reinforcements beyond the two early signings Castro and Koulierakis, who have already integrated well into the squad and scored in today's match against Newport. Endrick's willingness to depart Real Madrid removes what has been the main obstacle to Roma's pursuit. The coach could be the ideal figure to develop the young forward, who is hungry for responsibility and regular opportunities. With Real Madrid's stance shifting, Roma are now positioned to accelerate their approach for the Brazilian.