Gasperini builds around Wesley, Rensch and Çelik as Roma scout left-back reinforcements

Konstantinos Koulierakis has completed his transfer to Roma, with the official announcement arriving on 1 August 2026. The defender spoke for the first time as a Roma player, expressing immediate enthusiasm for the move. When his agent informed him of Roma's interest, Koulierakis said he had no hesitation: "I told him 'ok, let's go!' I asked him to do the maximum to make me a player of this club, so important in Italy. I had no doubt whatsoever; I only thought about being ready to sign for Roma." Koulierakis cited conversations with Kostas Tsimikas and Joakim Maehle of Wolfsburg about head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, calling him one of Italy's finest managers. He also revealed he knows Kostas Manolas, having spoken to him this summer about joining Roma—a conversation Koulierakis described as meaningful. The 23-year-old identified Sergio Ramos and Aymeric Laporte as his defensive inspirations, praising their mentality, strength, and playing style. He noted that like Laporte, he is left-footed. Koulierakis highlighted his left foot and mental toughness as his main strengths, emphasizing his drive to improve and win. He expressed eagerness to experience the Stadio Olimpico atmosphere in person, having watched it on television and in videos. Koulierakis also referenced Manolas's role in Roma's famous 3–0 victory over Barcelona, describing it as a great performance he had watched. He thanked the ownership for their faith in him and concluded with "Forza Roma!"

Konstantino Koulierakis has spoken about his move to Roma, expressing enthusiasm about joining the club and working under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. "I am very happy to be here," Koulierakis said in an interview with the club. "When my agent informed me that Roma was interested in me, I told him straight away: 'Ok, let's go'. I asked him to do everything possible to make me a Roma player." On Gasperini, he added: "Tsimikas spoke to me a bit about the manager: he is one of the best in Italy, and this makes me very enthusiastic about working with him." Koulierakis, a left-sided defender, cited Aymeric Laporte as a professional inspiration, noting their similar characteristics and shared left-footed style. He also spoke warmly of Manolas, saying he had telephoned the former Roma defender over the summer. "It was a nice conversation," Koulierakis explained. "When we discussed Roma, I told him it would be a very important step for me. It felt like a conversation between friends." Manolas, he added, "is one of the most important defenders in Roma's history, especially for that night against Barcelona." Looking ahead to his debut at the Stadio Olimpico, Koulierakis expressed excitement about the atmosphere. "I have never been to the Olimpico, but from what I have seen the atmosphere is extraordinary," he said. "I have watched many videos from the past and I cannot wait to play in this stadium, because I know the environment will be very warm. I have high expectations."

Wesley left Roma's training session in Cardiff on 2 August, limping away after suffering discomfort to an ankle that had troubled him the previous day. The Brazilian was unable to continue the session and had to stop early. Roma are preparing for upcoming fixtures while managing an injury concern with one of their attacking options. Wesley joined the club last summer on a five-year contract from Flamengo for €25 million plus €5 million in add-ons. His availability for the next match will be monitored closely as the squad continues pre-season work in Wales. The club also reported on other squad movements during the training camp, with Koulierakis joining the group in Cardiff and fellow players including an unnamed Dutch player recently featuring in a 74-minute appearance against Atalanta following a €28 million bid.

Wesley left Roma's training session in Cardiff on 2 August, limping away after suffering discomfort to an ankle that had troubled him the previous day. The Brazilian was unable to continue the session and had to stop early. Roma are preparing for upcoming fixtures while managing an injury concern with one of their attacking options. Wesley joined the club last summer on a five-year contract from Flamengo for €25 million plus €5 million in add-ons. His availability for the next match will be monitored closely as the squad continues pre-season work in Wales. The club also reported on other squad movements during the training camp, with Koulierakis joining the group in Cardiff and fellow players including an unnamed Dutch player recently featuring in a 74-minute appearance against Atalanta following a €28 million bid.

Roma suffered a fresh injury blow during training in Cardiff on 2 August as Wesley was forced to withdraw from the session after aggravating a right ankle sprain sustained in the friendly against Cardiff. The Brazilian attempted to continue but lasted only a few minutes before leaving the pitch after a brief consultation with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The session continued as an internal match. Koulierakis arrived at the training base in Wales after completing his medical and signing formalities in Rome, joining the squad immediately and taking part in the open training session. Also present was new chief executive John Galantic. Roma are preparing for a friendly against Newport scheduled for Tuesday. Niccolò Pisilli remained unavailable despite being named in the group, while Bah sustained a knee distortion in the previous day's session and awaited magnetic resonance imaging scheduled for the following day. Jan Ziółkowski briefly required treatment after a heavy blow to his ankle but resumed without significant issue. Neil El Aynaoui undertook a gradual reintegration following the World Cup, completing an extended fitness session around the resort rather than full participation. Wesley departed the pitch with a prominent bandage on his right leg, visibly limping.

Roma are maintaining their interest in left-winger Alessio Cacciamani as they look to strengthen the position following Angeliño's departure to Deportivo la Coruña. The 2007-born talent from Torino remains a target, though a significant gap persists in negotiations between the two clubs. According to Corriere della Sera, Torino are demanding €15 million while Roma have offered €7 million. Further talks are expected in the coming days as the clubs work towards an agreement. Cacciamani's emergence as a priority underscores Roma's need to shore up the left flank, where the departure of Angeliño and the anticipated exit of Salah-Eddine have left the squad thin. Wesley is currently the only established option in that area. Roma director D'Amico is continuing negotiations with a view to closing the gap between the two valuations and securing the young winger's services. In parallel, Roma remain active elsewhere in the market. Sporting director D'Amico is simultaneously working on a deal for Read, attempting to reach an economic agreement with Feyenoord as the transfer window enters its final weeks.

Gian Piero Gasperini will hold a crucial transfer meeting with Roma sporting director D'Amico and owner Ryan Friedkin today before the team's departure for Wales. The summit will focus on finalising the club's market strategy for the remainder of the season as Gasperini, the club's new head coach, continues to push for reinforcements to mount a Champions League challenge. Left-wing remains Roma's priority, with RB Leipzig's Nusa staying at the top of the target list. Gasperini will have the opportunity to reiterate this directly to the board. The departures of Angeliño and Çelik have left gaps in the full-back department that require urgent attention. Read is being considered as a hot prospect to address those needs, with Roma having already tabled an offer to Feyenoord. The Dutch club's approval is now required for any deal to progress. Gasperini has already secured initial signings including Castro and Koulierakis, but the technical staff believes further investment is essential for a competitive campaign. All parties are emphasising the need to row in the same direction as Roma builds its new project under the new coaching regime.

Roma have tabled a €25 million bid to Feyenoord for right-back Givairo Read, hoping to conclude negotiations in the coming days. The offer represents a significant step up from Zeki Çelik's position at the club. Feyenoord remain reluctant to sell, preferring to keep the 20-year-old for another season before potentially commanding a higher fee. Nottingham Forest have also entered the race, offering €19 million plus €2 million in bonuses, a move Roma were aware of before raising their bid. Read has already agreed personal terms with Forest on a five-year contract worth €20 million plus bonuses, which prompted him to push for a departure from the Eredivisie club. Should Roma succeed in persuading Feyenoord to sell, they will need to offer Read a substantial salary of approximately €4 million per year to compete with the English offer. Feyenoord manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst is attempting to convince the player to stay, and is considering offering him the captain's armband despite his youth. Read arrived at Feyenoord on a free transfer from Volendam in 2023. Roma's pursuit underscores their determination to strengthen the right-back position, with the club prepared to commit significant resources both in transfer fee and wages to secure the Netherlands-based prospect.

Roma confirmed the arrival of Greek defender Koulierakis from Wolfsburg for €15 million, with medical tests scheduled today. The transfer marks the second major signing following the announcement of Argentine forward Castro, who gave his first interview to the club. Castro said: "I couldn't wait to be here, Gasp is ideal for me. I'm a player who needs to improve everything, I need to score more goals even though the team comes first for me." He also warned Lazio: "I've already scored two goals against them, and I want to keep doing that." Director D'Amico is already focused on further reinforcements. Roma have submitted a €25 million offer to Feyenoord for right-back Givairo Read, identified as the primary target to replace Çelik on the right flank. The 2006-born fullback has agreed personal terms, but the Dutch club must still be persuaded. Sporting Lisbona's Fresneda stands as an alternative. On the left wing, Nusa from Leipzig has re-entered Roma's thinking after interest in Ezzalzouli cooled. The club has renewed contact with Leipzig and is prepared to increase their offer, though not to the €60 million the German side demands. Eintracht Frankfurt's Bahoya and an unnamed target also remain under consideration.

Konstantinos Koulierakis has completed his transfer to Roma, with the official announcement arriving on 1 August 2026. The defender spoke for the first time as a Roma player, expressing immediate enthusiasm for the move. When his agent informed him of Roma's interest, Koulierakis said he had no hesitation: "I told him 'ok, let's go!' I asked him to do the maximum to make me a player of this club, so important in Italy. I had no doubt whatsoever; I only thought about being ready to sign for Roma." Koulierakis cited conversations with Kostas Tsimikas and Joakim Maehle of Wolfsburg about head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, calling him one of Italy's finest managers. He also revealed he knows Kostas Manolas, having spoken to him this summer about joining Roma—a conversation Koulierakis described as meaningful. The 23-year-old identified Sergio Ramos and Aymeric Laporte as his defensive inspirations, praising their mentality, strength, and playing style. He noted that like Laporte, he is left-footed. Koulierakis highlighted his left foot and mental toughness as his main strengths, emphasizing his drive to improve and win. He expressed eagerness to experience the Stadio Olimpico atmosphere in person, having watched it on television and in videos. Koulierakis also referenced Manolas's role in Roma's famous 3–0 victory over Barcelona, describing it as a great performance he had watched. He thanked the ownership for their faith in him and concluded with "Forza Roma!"

Konstantino Koulierakis has spoken about his move to Roma, expressing enthusiasm about joining the club and working under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. "I am very happy to be here," Koulierakis said in an interview with the club. "When my agent informed me that Roma was interested in me, I told him straight away: 'Ok, let's go'. I asked him to do everything possible to make me a Roma player." On Gasperini, he added: "Tsimikas spoke to me a bit about the manager: he is one of the best in Italy, and this makes me very enthusiastic about working with him." Koulierakis, a left-sided defender, cited Aymeric Laporte as a professional inspiration, noting their similar characteristics and shared left-footed style. He also spoke warmly of Manolas, saying he had telephoned the former Roma defender over the summer. "It was a nice conversation," Koulierakis explained. "When we discussed Roma, I told him it would be a very important step for me. It felt like a conversation between friends." Manolas, he added, "is one of the most important defenders in Roma's history, especially for that night against Barcelona." Looking ahead to his debut at the Stadio Olimpico, Koulierakis expressed excitement about the atmosphere. "I have never been to the Olimpico, but from what I have seen the atmosphere is extraordinary," he said. "I have watched many videos from the past and I cannot wait to play in this stadium, because I know the environment will be very warm. I have high expectations."

Kostas Tsimikas became the centre of controversy during Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Wrexham at Yankee Stadium, when a dispute over the captain's armband sparked an awkward exchange between players. Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones argued over who should wear the armband during the post-match lap of honour; according to reports including from the BBC, Jones expressed displeasure when Szoboszlai handed it to Tsimikas instead. Standing between the two, Tsimikas removed the armband and threw it to the ground, where Jones retrieved it as the disagreement continued. Tsimikas departed Roma on 1 July to join Liverpool on a permanent basis. The former Roma left-back's treatment of the armband drew swift criticism on social media, with supporters objecting to what they viewed as disrespect towards the symbol of the club's captaincy. The incident also reflected poorly on Curtis Jones, who was similarly criticized for his role in the confrontation. Supporters described the episode as "a total lack of respect" for the captain's armband.