Genoa opens talks with Brighton over Ferguson as De Rossi seeks attacking reinforcement

Real Madrid youngster Endrick remains on Roma's radar despite the Spanish club's decision to keep him. Roma, through general manager D'Amico, have not abandoned efforts to sign the 2006-born Brazilian, though a move would prove difficult given Endrick's ambitions at the Bernabéu. Mourinho deployed him centrally in attack and the forward responded with intensity and aggression, following the Portuguese coach's tactical demands precisely. His contribution included a heavy challenge on a Deportivo defender early in the match—a tackle that bordered on a red card offence but went unpunished—before being substituted at half-time in what Mourinho suggested was simply squad rotation rather than criticism. The Brazilian's willingness to fight for every ball and embrace the physical demands of Mourinho's system sent a clear message about his role in the team's plans. Roma continue to monitor the situation closely. D'Amico remains vigilant, and the club's interest has not dimmed. Real Madrid, however, currently shows no signs of opening the door to a departure. Roma are waiting for any opening, however small, and will continue to pursue the opportunity should circumstances shift.

Roma's transfer plans for this summer have stalled on multiple fronts. Negotiations for Rodrigo Mora have become protracted, with the deal now at risk, while the club has also encountered resistance in its push for Luis Henrique from Inter. Porto have rejected Roma's latest proposal for Mora — a season-long loan with a conditional obligation to buy — as the Portuguese club wants certainty over a permanent sale, at least for next year. Roma remain willing to offer up to €50M for Mora but only with the right structure, given they are planning further signings. Luis Henrique, the Brazilian winger, is hesitant about the move to the Olimpico. Inter are open to selling for €25/30M following their acquisition of Djed Spence, but Henrique is reluctant to commit immediately. His concern centres on Roma already having two high-profile wing-backs in Wesley and Nahuel Molina, making him uncertain of his minutes and role. Roma cannot begin discussions over his personal terms until he fully embraces the project. Both Roma and Inter also have Malick Fofana on their shortlist should they target additional attacking options on the flanks. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini may yet intervene to persuade the Inter player, given his versatility and access to rotation minutes. Roma typically do not push hard for players without immediate enthusiasm to join, and as the window progresses, likelihood of deals succeeds diminishes.

Roma's pursuit of Portuguese prospect Mora remains stalled, with today potentially marking a decisive moment in negotiations. The class of 2007 talent has been on the verge of joining the Giallorossi but must wait to complete his move to the capital. Roma continues to work intensely to close the deal, though Porto has created more complications than anticipated. The core dispute centres on the buyback clause terms and the percentage on any future resale. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is ready to provide Mora with increased playing time and a prominent role in the squad, which aligns with the teenager's desire for more regular football. However, Porto is safeguarding its position by exploring alternatives. According to A Bola, Porto's sporting director has already requested evaluation of replacement targets, with Feyenoord's Timber and Bom under consideration. The Portuguese club will wait to resolve the Mora situation before making any move on those options. The final say rests with both clubs as negotiations continue. Time is tightening for Mora, with the coming hours expected to prove decisive in determining the transfer's outcome.

Roma's pre-season tour of England closed with a 3–0 defeat to Brighton at the Amex Stadium on 8 August. Georginio Rutter opened the scoring in the 29th minute after Wesley squandered a one-on-one chance against Verbruggen in the 28th, with Yasin Ayari doubling the lead before half-time and completing his brace early in the second half at the 49th minute. The result capped a disappointing week for Gasperini's side, following a heavy loss to Cardiff City, with only an improved performance against Newport offering respite. Wesley's missed opportunity proved decisive; from the resulting counter-attack, Rutter fired past Svilar, and the concession of the opening goal triggered a psychological collapse that Brighton exploited ruthlessly through their pace and directness. Gasperini's Roma controlled stretches of the match and came closest to opening the scoring when Wesley was played through one-on-one in the 28th minute but shot over from a favourable position. The side's lack of clinical finishing and defensive frailty were stark: Brighton's attacks repeatedly found space, particularly down the flanks, and Roma's back line appeared disorganised and slow to react. Svilar made several key saves to prevent a larger scoreline. The heavy rotation Gasperini introduced in the second half, giving opportunities to younger squad members, failed to ignite a response from a team that appeared depleted and lacking intensity. Evan Ferguson, still recovering from injury, was present at the stadium to greet his former teammates before kick-off. Roma's next fixture is a friendly against Borussia Dortmund on 15 August, a match Gasperini will view as essential for rebuilding confidence and addressing the defensive and mental issues laid bare at the Amex.

Evan Ferguson was present at the Amex Stadium for Brighton's friendly against Roma on 8 August 2026, though the Irish striker did not feature in the match. Ferguson spent last summer on loan at Roma with a purchase option before returning to Brighton at the end of the 2025–26 season. Ahead of the test match, he took time to greet Gasperini's coaching staff and his former Roma teammate Gollini. Ferguson arrived at Roma last summer under a loan agreement that included a €40 million purchase option, but that clause was not exercised when his spell ended with the conclusion of the previous campaign. His appearance at the Amex reflected the ongoing connection between the two clubs as they prepare for the new season.

Evan Ferguson, the Roma forward on loan from Brighton, was present at the Amex Stadium on 8 August and exchanged greetings with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and the club's staff. Ferguson remains sidelined following an ankle injury sustained in January 2025. The Irish striker's appearance at Brighton ahead of the fixture underlined his continued recovery from the injury that has kept him unavailable since the start of 2025. His presence among the Roma party offered a chance to reconnect with his former coach and teammates despite his absence from the squad on the pitch. Ferguson joined Roma on loan from Brighton in July 2025 with an option to make the move permanent for €40 million.