Gasperini Has His January Targets as Roma Await Friedkin Green Light

Roma's January transfer planning is waiting on concrete signals from the Friedkin family in Houston, with the club's strategy expected to be defined this week. The break for international fixtures is seen as a crucial moment to plan the winter window, while Roma's aim remains to stay close to the top of the Serie A table. Il Tempo reports that, barring surprises, no members of the Friedkin family are expected to arrive in Rome. The club is also waiting to learn the outcome of its settlement agreement with UEFA, which will determine the room available for investment. Gian Piero Gasperini's direct contact for market matters and corporate affairs remains CEO John Galantic, with a meeting expected in the coming days. The technical area and sporting director Tony D'Amico have already set the priorities: a striker and a winger, ideally with the qualities of Moreira, who was pursued months ago. Endrick remains at the top of the wish list, although the deal is considered complex in several respects. Kvernadze's stock among the other profiles studied by the club has fallen, as he does not fully convince. Unlike the situation last summer, Gasperini's plans also include the possibility of signing a new midfielder, should the budget granted by the ownership allow it. Although satisfied with the performance of the department, the coach has begun to reflect on the difficulties of the season so far. Koné tends to stop from time to time, De Roon, while still reliable, is of significant age, and Pellegrini is getting less and less playing time. For these reasons, if there is room to manoeuvre, Roma will consider a addition in midfield.

Dybala and Mancini have returned to training with the group at Trigoria, with both now in contention for Roma's trip to Parma on 21 November. The squad resumed work after three days' rest with thirteen players away on international duty, and Gian Piero Gasperini used the break to clear the injury list. Paulo Dybala is gradually overcoming a calf injury, while Gianluca Mancini has almost shaken off a muscle complaint. Their responses will be assessed over the coming days, but the chances of both being available at the Tardini are growing. There are also encouraging signs for Mile Svilar, who is still training apart from the group but has put his boots back on after weeks in a protective boot for a foot injury, boosting hopes of his return in goal against Parma. His recovery will also allow Pierluigi Gollini to recover more calmly from the back problem that cost him the last two matches. Gasperini is now looking ahead to the January window and will discuss the matter this week with sporting director Tony D'Amico and chief executive John Galantic. The coach's priority is to add offensive options with a profile offering pace and unpredictability. Three different options are on the club's list, though none has yet become a concrete negotiation. The internal discussions come against a backdrop of a cool and distant relationship between Gasperini and the Friedkin family. No meetings with the ownership are currently planned to define winter strategy, so the talks with D'Amico and Galantic will serve to set priorities and room for manoeuvre while awaiting decisions from the American owners.

Leonardo Balerdi, who left Marseille for Roma, has become one of the pillars of Gian Piero Gasperini's side and is now being considered by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni to fill the central defensive void left by Otamendi's departure. The Marseille supporters who celebrated his exit in August now have a Roma fan base enjoying his performances instead. Balerdi defends, commands his area, supports attacks and, when he has space, can carry the ball forward. His combination of qualities is reminiscent, in some respects, of the best version of Manolas. Gasperini has repeatedly praised him, and the start to this season has confirmed how important the Argentine has become to the balance of the team. His progress has also not gone unnoticed back home. Scaloni continues to call him up to the national team, and now a new opportunity may open for him. With Otamendi gone, Argentina are searching for a new reference point at the heart of the defence. According to TyC Sports, the Giallorossi defender is among the candidates for a starting berth in the friendly against Uruguay, with Lisandro Martínez expected to partner him. The report underlines how quickly Balerdi has established himself as a key figure at Roma, moving from a player whose departure Marseille supporters welcomed to a central defender the national team is considering for a starting role. A call-up and a starting place against Uruguay would represent a significant step for the 2026-27 season.