Gasperini on Çelik departure: Roma must move faster in the market

Gian Piero Gasperini called directly on the Friedkin Group ownership to speed up Roma's summer transfer work, warning that financial fair play constraints continue to hamper the club's ability to strengthen. Speaking ahead of a pre-season friendly against Roma Primavera at 9:00 on the morning of the fixture, the head coach said: "Speravo che l'ingresso in Champions League avrebbe risolto la questione del fair play finanziario, ma non è così" and appealed to vice-president Ryan Friedkin, present at the Trigoria training ground, with the message: "Siamo un diesel, ora i colpi. Ryan Friedkin ci può aiutare ad accelerare." Gasperini stated he needs three or four high-quality signings to properly reinforce the squad. The primary target remains West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville, who has recently opened to joining Roma. The club has tabled an official offer of €46 million, while proposing a wage package of €4 million net per season—a figure that respects the club's strict internal salary parameters. Gasperini also clarified that Roma deliberately did not pursue Mason Greenwood "not because we couldn't afford him, but by choice," emphasising the importance of wage discipline. The coach criticised the club's handling of the Zeki Çelik transfer from Juventus, stating: "La società è stata lenta." On the positive side, Gianluca Mancini has extended his contract until 2029 and Bryan Cristante has renewed through 2028. Lorenzo Pellegrini remains a free agent since 30 June and is recovering from injury; Gasperini expressed hope he would "raggiungere l'accordo con la società" soon.

Gian Piero Gasperini has struck a notably calmer tone than twelve months ago, expressing confidence that Roma will add reinforcements before the transfer window closes. The head coach acknowledged the team's current slowness but backed the club's plans, stating: "I am certain that we will strengthen ourselves, even in the role of Celik who will need to be replaced." Gasperini outlined Roma's recruitment targets as needing three or four signings, with two attacking wingers a priority. Summerville has emerged as a potential option, with the Dutch forward reportedly moving closer to joining Roma after adjusting his wage demands to align with the Friedkin Group's parameters of 4–4.5 million euros. Gasperini has emphasised the importance of adhering to financial constraints under Fair Play regulations. He acknowledged frustration from the previous season, noting: "They told me things that then became different—this also applies to Financial Fair Play. I was convinced that entry into the Champions League would be enough, then you discover it is not. Probably an important sale will need to be made by the end of July." Manu Koné appears to be the designated departure, while Matías Soulé's future will depend on concrete offers rather than informal discussions. Lorenzo Pellegrini remains absent from the squad, and Soulé has arrived in pre-season training slightly overweight but is reportedly shedding the excess and performing well in sessions.

Gian Piero Gasperini has issued a firm statement on Roma's transfer strategy from the club's training ground, emphasizing the need to accelerate the market while maintaining squad harmony and financial discipline. Following Zeki Çelik's departure, the coach sought to reassure the environment: "Zeki I can only thank for last year, but footballistically I am convinced we will reinforce ourselves and be stronger." Using an apt metaphor for Roma's trajectory, Gasperini added: "We are a petrol engine and a diesel that travels well over the long haul. Perhaps we are an engine a bit slow to start, but then we become a nice tractor that covers ground." Sports director Tony D'Amico is focusing recruitment on the attacking third, where currently only Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé are fit. Crysencio Summerville remains the priority target, but West Ham's €45 million (£45 million) release clause is deemed excessive by Roma's standards, despite the Dutch winger reducing his salary demands to align with the club's wage structure of approximately €4.5–5 million. Gasperini was categorical on spending limits: "If they ask for certain wages we won't take them. Balance is needed in the squad. Not because Roma can't afford it, but because there is a wage ceiling that I personally find fair too. There are players who brought this squad to the Champions League and seeing themselves clearly surpassed by newly arrived players would create problems." Alternative targets include Jaden Philogene, a 24-year-old winger at Ipswich Town valued at €20–21 million with an asking salary just over €1 million net per season. Endrick is also under consideration on a €2–3 million loan with €2.8 million wages, pending his return to Real Madrid. Meanwhile, captain Lorenzo Pellegrini quashed transfer speculation by posting a photo on social media from Rome's ring road, signalling his commitment. Roma's first competitive test comes this morning at 9:00 at Trigoria against the Primavera, where Angeliño's fitness will be closely monitored.

Roma are pushing hard to sign Janis Summerville, with the player's agents having contacted Tony D'Amico to try to close the deal. Summerville has agreed to reduce his wage demands, and Roma's offer of 4 million euros plus bonuses is expected to satisfy him. The club continues to explore other attacking options, with Tresoldi positioned as a deputy to Malen rather than as a primary striker target, though transfer fee figures remain fluid internally. Lorenzo Pellegrini's future hinges on head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's assessment, according to radio analysis. Gasperini wanted to retain all three senior midfielders, but Pellegrini risks following the same trajectory as Zeki Çelik if the club waits until contract expiry to negotiate a renewal. The midfielder is a professional committed to Roma, yet he has the right to explore other opportunities as his contract runs down. A recent photograph posted by Pellegrini suggested he was at the airport exploring options elsewhere. Radio commentators questioned the logic of investing 30 million euros in a deputy to Malen, noting that at 21 years old, Tresoldi remains unproven. With the transfer window open and Pellegrini able to negotiate with other clubs from 19 July onwards, the dynamics around his future remain fluid and could materialise in unexpected directions.

Roma played their opening pre-season friendly at Trigoria under Gasperini, welcoming back Paulo Dybala and Wesley following recent absences. Dybala was formally a free agent until days ago, while Wesley returned from injury that caused him to miss the World Cup. Robinio Vaz remained unavailable through injury, and Zeki Çelik travelled to Turin, leaving Gasperini with a limited squad for the session. The main concern came when Mario Hermoso, the Spanish defender, left the pitch with ice applied to his right leg just below the knee late in the friendly. The issue appeared to stem from a knock, though Roma will monitor his condition closely over the coming hours. With few outfield players fit and available, Gasperini will be hoping the injury proves minor.

A banner was displayed outside Roma's Fulvio Bernardini training centre during a friendly between the first team and the Primavera, calling for the renewal of Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract. The message, signed by Gruppo Roma, read: "Making a mistake can happen... Repeating it means carelessness!" followed by "Let's hold tight to Lorenzo!" The banner's first part references Zeki Çelik, who departed for Juventus after failing to agree a new deal with Roma. The supporters' statement represents a clear push for the club to extend Pellegrini's contract, which remains unsigned. The number 7 is a central figure in Roma's plans, and fan pressure reflects wider concern that the club must avoid repeating the mistake made with Çelik.