Gasperini takes central role in Roma's summer rebuild

Manchester United are actively pursuing Roma midfielder Manu Koné, with reports suggesting the French midfielder could leave Trigoria. The Red Devils, who have already signed Andrey Santos and Tielemans this window, are searching for another central midfielder. Rio Ferdinand fuelled speculation by claiming an agreement had been reached between the two clubs, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano clarified that while contacts remain live, Manchester United have not yet submitted an official offer. The relationship between Roma and Manchester United is described as excellent, though Gian Piero Gasperini and the club's hierarchy are reluctant to part with Koné following the team's achievement of qualifying for the Champions League. Roma consider the French midfielder an integral part of their midfield plans. Romano's intervention suggests the situation remains fluid. Though initial reports of a done deal proved premature, the club's interest is genuine and the possibility of a formal bid cannot be ruled out. Koné's exit would represent a significant blow to Roma's ambitions, particularly given the prominence he has assumed under Gasperini's tactical system.

Manchester United have opened active dialogue with Manu Koné's representatives over a potential move for the Roma midfielder, though no formal bid has been submitted to the club. The Red Devils have intensified their interest in the French centrefielder following their failure to land Ederson, and have been in regular contact with Koné's agents in recent days. Koné fits United's profile as a dynamic midfielder capable of covering ground and breaking lines in their 4-2-3-1 system. Koné has attracted attention from multiple elite sides during the transfer window, including Chelsea under Xabi Alonso, after standout performances at the World Cup. Rio Ferdinand, the former Manchester United defender, announced on his YouTube channel that United had reached an agreement to sign Koné for £45 million (€53 million), citing Fabrizio Romano as his source. However, Romano subsequently clarified that while contact between United's hierarchy and Koné's camp remains solid, no offer has yet reached Roma's boardroom. The midfielder remains one of several names on United's shortlist as they search for midfield reinforcement.

Roma have identified Donyell Malen as their primary target to strengthen the left attacking midfield position, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini keen on the move. The club has set a virtual deadline of Monday–Tuesday next week for a decision after two meetings between sporting director D'Amico and Malen's representatives. A crucial detail has emerged: Malen's contract contains a release clause worth €45 million that expires in 10 days. Wages remain the sticking point in negotiations. Diego Moreira continues as Roma's alternative for the left flank. Moreira has already agreed personal terms with Roma on a €2 million salary and the club has submitted a €30 million offer to Strasbourg, plus 10 per cent of any future sale. This represents a more straightforward route if the Malen situation cannot be resolved before the release clause deadline. Elsewhere, contract renewals for Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante have been finalised, providing stability to Roma's squad. Manchester United have also entered the race to sign Manu Koné, though Roma remain focused on their attacking midfield targets.

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's 2026–27 season began this morning at Trigoria with players returning to the training ground. Paulo Dybala has been included in head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's squad for the pre-season gathering, following the announcement of his contract renewal. Gasperini, now in his second year as Roma coach, named 18 players in his initial squad list: Angeliño, Cristante, De Marzi, Dovbyk, Dybala, Ghilardi, Gollini, Hermoso, Mancini, Pisilli, Rensch, Soulé, Svilar, Vasquez, Vaz, Wesley, and Ziolkowski. Additional players awaiting moves—Cherubini, Kumbulla, Mannini, Reale, and Pagano—will join the group, with returning World Cup participants to follow. The first training session took place today at 18:00, with a double session scheduled for tomorrow comprising sessions at 08:00 and 18:00. The squad will remain at Trigoria for accommodation over both days.

Roma have opened talks to sign Endrick from Real Madrid on loan as they look to bolster their attacking options. The 21-year-old Brazilian has fallen down the pecking order at the Bernabéu and is available to leave, having recently completed a six-month loan spell at Lyon under Fonseca where he scored 7 goals in 19 matches. Endrick would reunite with fellow Brazilian Wesley at the Giallorossi and is open to the move. Real Madrid are unwilling to sell permanently and prefer to loan the player out with a fee attached, allowing them to assess his future prospects. Roma would be interested on those terms but want to include a redemption clause with a buyback option favouring Real Madrid. The structure suits the capital club financially as they attempt to add depth to their forward line. However, the move faces a potential obstacle: José Mourinho intends to further evaluate Endrick before committing to bringing him in, keen to test whether he fits the team's tactical needs for the coming season.

Roma have emerged as contenders to sign Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa, the 20-year-old Brazilian forward, on a loan deal from Real Madrid. The approach, which surfaced around late June, follows Roma's earlier pursuit of other attacking targets including Summerville and Garnacho. Real Madrid are prepared to send Endrick out on a paid loan with the option of an agreement that could include a substantial buyout clause and a buyback clause in the club's favour. Endrick has attracted the interest of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who views him as a versatile second striker capable of operating across the attack and suited to Roma's tactical system, including a potential 3-4-1-2 formation. The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Lyon, where he scored 7 goals in 19 matches, and faces intense competition for minutes at Real Madrid. Salary is not a significant obstacle—Endrick earns 2.5 million euros gross per season. Roma's squad already includes Wesley, Endrick's Brazilian national-team colleague, which could ease his integration. For Gasperini, Endrick could also provide cover for Donyell Malen in the attacking line.

Roma returned to action following a visit from around a hundred supporters at Piazzale Dino Viola, with high spirits evident among the squad. Players including Wesley, Gianluca Mancini, Matías Soulé and Jan Ziółkowski shared their excitement across social media, reflecting the positive mood surrounding the club's preparations. The gathering demonstrated strong engagement between the Roma fanbase and the playing staff during the training camp at Trigoria. The visible enthusiasm from the giallorossi players underscored the club's momentum as preparation continues.

Roma returned to action following a visit from around a hundred supporters at Piazzale Dino Viola, with high spirits evident among the squad. Players including Wesley, Gianluca Mancini, Matías Soulé and Jan Ziółkowski shared their excitement across social media, reflecting the positive mood surrounding the club's preparations. The gathering demonstrated strong engagement between the Roma fanbase and the playing staff during the training camp at Trigoria. The visible enthusiasm from the giallorossi players underscored the club's momentum as preparation continues.

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.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has identified a centre-back as a priority addition to Roma's squad, according to his list of targets presented to ownership. The search is not limited to attacking reinforcements; Gasperini wants an experienced central defender aged 28 or above to serve as a deputy to Mario Hermoso, giving the Spanish defender rest when needed. He has ruled out pursuing young prospects requiring development, such as Jan Ziółkowski, in favour of an established player. Roma enquired about Leo Ostigard in recent weeks, though the Norwegian would only arrive if Evan N'Dicka departs the club—a scenario ruled out with N'Dicka currently viewed as non-transferable. The defensive overhaul is not urgent, with attacking reinforcements taking priority in the coming window. However, the backline will be reinforced before the season progresses further.