Friedkins Expected at Trigoria to Unblock Transfer Activity

Paulo Dybala has agreed a contract renewal with AS Roma, the club announced around 2 p.m. on Friday. The Argentina forward has extended his deal for a further year with an option for additional renewal based on appearances. The news came as supporters gathered outside the Fulvio Bernardini training ground to express their gratitude. Dybala took a pay cut to remain at the Giallorossi, a decision supporters recognised as a significant commitment to the club. One fan praised the move: "We're happy. He decided to stay, despite cutting his salary a bit. This is a demonstration of love towards Roma, the city and the fans." Another said: "What matters most is the contract renewal. Maybe another day we'll come back and catch him!" The renewal caps a productive period for the club, with Dybala having been a consistent performer in the Roma attack since his arrival.

Ryan Friedkin, vice-president of The Friedkin Group, arrived at Roma's Fulvio Bernardini training centre on Tuesday morning to oversee the squad and push forward the club's transfer strategy. The visit came a day after the club resumed pre-season work, welcomed by supporters at their headquarters in Trigoria. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had signalled the importance of the owners' presence in a radio interview with Rai Radio 1. "The presence of the owners will be fundamental, because the market is made of decisions and immediate responses," Gasperini said. "We all hope to make a good market and give answers to the enthusiasm of a city that has already done so many season-ticket sales." The emphasis on swift decision-making underlines Roma's intent to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season.

Rome radio commentators have weighed in on Roma's transfer priorities, with Carina expressing a preference for winger Moreira over Garnacho and backing a significant investment in the player. Speaking on Radio Radio Mattino, Carina said: "Between Garnacho and Moreira, the latter convinces me more. Garnacho had a strong start at Manchester United but has struggled in the last two years. Moreira gives me the impression of being another Wesley, someone who can play equally on the right or left. He's a player I would invest 30 to 35 million euros in. Yesterday I heard a Gasperini who seems ready to make his voice heard." Former Roma striker Pruzzo also addressed the midfield on Radio Radio Mattino, signalling the need for reinforcement. He stated: "In the market there is the possibility of finding a player with Koné's characteristics. At midfield Roma must do something, because Cristante's tempo is what it is." The comments suggest internal concern over the current squad's rhythm and creativity in the centre of the park. Orsi, also speaking on Radio Radio Mattino, countered the Garnacho option by backing squad continuity. He preferred retaining Soulé, saying: "It's a player you can cultivate and, aside from physical problems, I think he can improve a lot. It makes no sense to invest in a young player you offload the following year."

Roma resumed training at Trigoria under the summer heat on Friday, beginning preparations for the centenary season and a return to the Champions League. The squad completed medical examinations before conducting their first training session of the break at 18:00. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini told Radio Rai that the owners must arrive in Rome soon to influence the transfer window. "The Friedkin will arrive in the coming hours and their presence will be fundamental because the market is made of decisions and immediate responses. Their presence will be decisive—we all hope to do good business and give responses to the enthusiasm of a city that has already made so many season-ticket purchases," Gasperini said. The coach's remarks underline his desire for direct involvement from ownership in the January transfer strategy, with the January signing of Donyell Malen serving as a precedent. Sporting director D'Amico is working to deliver the attacking reinforcements Gasperini has requested. Tresoldi remains the primary target, but Roma's pursuit depends on moving Artem Dovbyk first. The club continues talks with Dovbyk and his representatives to finalize an agreement and lower Brugge's demands. Other attacking wingers remain under evaluation by the board, including Garnacho, though he is not the only name in consideration.

AS Roma opened summer training at Trigoria on Monday with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and his squad, with dozens of supporters present to greet the team. Players reported around 12:00 and completed their first session at 18:00. Notably absent from the squad call were World Cup representatives Koné (still in competition), N'Dicka, El Aynaoui, Malen, and Çelik—who is close to renewing his contract—as well as Pellegrini, sidelined by injury but nearing a contract extension. Paulo Dybala's renewal has been officially confirmed through 30 June 2027. The forward said: "This story continues, as everyone wanted—the club, me, and the fans. I'm happy to play another season here, another year in this city. Being able to defend Roma's shirt is a privilege for me. Roma means many things to me: honour, responsibility, beauty. There are also many personal reasons that brought me to be here today. When the music we've all been waiting for plays—the Champions League—we'll look at each other, us on the pitch and you in the stands, and we'll be proud of what we're doing." Gasperini told Rai Radio Uno the Friedkins will arrive in the coming hours and stressed the importance of their presence. "From today there will be important accelerations. We hope to do good business in the market and give answers to the enthusiasm of a city that has already made many subscriptions," he said. Pellegrini is set to sign until 2028 with a 2029 option, earning €2.5 million per season plus bonuses; the deal is in final stages before signature.

Xabi Alonso, in his first press conference as Chelsea manager, confirmed that Alejandro Garnacho will leave Stamford Bridge after just one season. The Argentine winger scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists in 43 appearances. Alonso stated: "We have spoken with the sporting director and there are some teams interested in him. We will see how the situation develops. We hope it concludes in the best way possible for all parties involved." AS Roma is among the clubs pursuing Garnacho, but a deal faces complications. Chelsea demands a permanent transfer, while Roma's valuation ceiling sits below Chelsea's asking price of at least 40 million euros. The Roma sporting director is exploring alternative structures, drawing on the template used in the Donyell Malen deal with Aston Villa—a loan with an obligation to buy conditional on specific performance metrics.

Roma's 2026–27 season got underway at the Trigoria training ground as players arrived for pre-season, drawing around 100 supporters to Piazzale Dino Viola on a hot summer day with temperatures reaching 34 degrees in the afternoon. The first arrivals included Ghilardi, Angeliño, and Soulé, with supporters greeting the squad enthusiastically throughout the morning. Coach Gasperini arrived without signing autographs or posing for photos but opened his car window to acknowledge the fans. Pisilli drew particular acclaim from the gathering, while Wesley, described as one of the squad's brightest stars, spent time engaging with the crowd despite the heavy gathering around his vehicle. Other squad members including Gollini, Mancini, Dovbyk, Svilar, Hermoso, Vaz, Rensch, Ziółkowski, and Cristante all passed through during the session. Some players, including Dybala, Kumbulla, Mannini, Reale, and Pagano, arrived discreetly. One supporter praised Dybala's commitment, saying: "He gave proof of a great gesture of love towards the city and fans, accepting the salary reduction." The atmosphere captured the renewed optimism surrounding the club as preparation for the new campaign began.

Roma started serious preparation for the 2026–27 season on Monday with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini naming a 17-man squad for initial training at Trigoria. Paulo Dybala featured in the group and marked his contract renewal with a short interview on Roma's official channels. Wesley returned to training immediately following the injury that forced him to miss the World Cup, training alongside teammates in the new kit that showcases the restored classic crest. Gasperini was accompanied by sporting director Tony D'Amico. The initial squad includes four goalkeepers—Svilar, Gollini, De Marzi, and Vasquez—and seven defenders: Angeliño, Ghilardi, Hermoso, Mancini, Rensch, Wesley, and Ziolkowski. Çelik will join on 18 August after completing his holiday following his contract renewal, while N'Dicka is due to arrive on 22 August. Only Pisilli and Cristante are currently available in midfield, with El Aynaoui expected on 30 August and Koné's arrival date to be confirmed pending the end of the World Cup. The attacking line features Dybala, Dovbyk, Soulé, and Vaz, with Dybala the only forward certain to remain at the club long-term. The squad is staying overnight at Fulvio Bernardini training centre and will undergo a double session today—training at 08:00 and 18:00. Roma have also opened ticket sales for their first official pre-season match at Cannes on 26 July at Pierre de Coubertin stadium, with visiting supporters' tickets priced at €15 each through AS Cannes' official website.

Roma resumed training at Trigoria under the summer heat on Friday, beginning preparations for the centenary season and a return to the Champions League. The squad completed medical examinations before conducting their first training session of the break at 18:00. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini told Radio Rai that the owners must arrive in Rome soon to influence the transfer window. "The Friedkin will arrive in the coming hours and their presence will be fundamental because the market is made of decisions and immediate responses. Their presence will be decisive—we all hope to do good business and give responses to the enthusiasm of a city that has already made so many season-ticket purchases," Gasperini said. The coach's remarks underline his desire for direct involvement from ownership in the January transfer strategy, with the January signing of Donyell Malen serving as a precedent. Sporting director D'Amico is working to deliver the attacking reinforcements Gasperini has requested. Tresoldi remains the primary target, but Roma's pursuit depends on moving Artem Dovbyk first. The club continues talks with Dovbyk and his representatives to finalize an agreement and lower Brugge's demands. Other attacking wingers remain under evaluation by the board, including Garnacho, though he is not the only name in consideration.