Giannini backs Mora as Roma's playmaker heir, praises Dybala's mentoring role

Rodrigo Mora reported for duty at Roma's training ground immediately after his move was made official, wasting no time in joining Gasperini's squad for his first session with the group. The Portuguese player, born 2007, has already begun familiarising himself with his teammates and the club's setup. On his official unveiling, Mora told the club's channels: "First of all, I would like to thank Roma and Porto. I am very happy to be here. I thank the fans for the support I received at the airport. Now I am very pleased and hope to have a great season. As everyone knows, it was a difficult negotiation that lasted quite a long time. To be honest, I could not wait to arrive here. I always had faith even when it seemed things were not going so well." Roma completed the deal on a permanent transfer basis of the player's registration rights and 50 per cent of his economic rights for a total of 27 million euros — comprising 25 million euros in fixed fees plus 2 million euros in performance-related bonuses. Although Porto's official statement referenced the shared economic rights structure, Mora is entirely Roma's player; joint ownership no longer exists under Italian football regulations.

Manchester City have moved into contention for Manu Koné after Manchester United withdrew from the race and turned their attention to Brighton's Baleba. According to the Daily Mail, Enzo Fernández and Lille's Bouaddi targets did not advance, prompting City manager Maresca to accelerate the search for a midfield reinforcement following Rodri's injury. Roma are holding firm on a valuation of approximately €55 million for the French midfielder. However, with fewer than two weeks remaining in the transfer window, a departure appears unlikely given the club's position and the limited time to find an adequate replacement. The ongoing uncertainty over Koné's future underscores the complexity of late-window dealings, with City's urgency to bolster their ranks competing against Roma's unwillingness to sell at a discount or rush into a premature exit.

Roma continue to monitor Alessio Cacciamani, and a development at Turin may accelerate their pursuit. Torino confirmed an agreement with Fiorentina to sign Niccolò Fortini on loan with a right of redemption. Since Fortini plays the same position as Roma's target, the path to Cacciamani could warm in the coming hours. Torino's Cairo rejected Roma's opening bid of €10 million plus €2 million in bonuses; the club values Cacciamani at approximately €20 million, though Roma hope to negotiate a lower fee. Meanwhile, the search for alternative targets continues. Udogie remains on standby as Roma's transfer operation winds down. Sporting director D'Amico is hunting for a deputy to Wesley to deliver to head coach Gasperini before the window closes. Luis Henrique appears out of reach; no agreement has been reached either with Inter or the player himself.

Rodrigo Mora has spoken for the first time as a Roma player following his official unveiling. The Portuguese forward expressed gratitude to the club and supporters after arriving at the airport, saying: "I am very happy to be here. I would like to thank Roma and the port. I am truly delighted and hope to have a great season here." Mora cited Paulo Dybala as a childhood inspiration and highlighted his eagerness to play alongside him. "During my childhood I grew up watching Dybala, and now being able to play next to him is something very rewarding for me," he said. He identified his ability to escape defenders in difficult situations as his main strength and expressed enthusiasm about working with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, noting that the manager favours number 10s—the position Mora prefers to play. Roma's passionate support also made a strong impression: "I remember the supporters who stayed with me. It is a very passionate fanbase and very loud. What struck me most about them was the 'noise' of the fans." Mora has worn the number 10 since age 15 at Porto's B team and intends to continue wearing it "for at least a few more years." He acknowledged the difficulty of leaving Porto, where he spent his entire life, but expressed confidence in the move: "When I found out I would transfer here, I was truly happy." He also highlighted the lengthy negotiations: "As everyone knows, it was a difficult negotiation that lasted quite a long time. Honestly, I could not wait to be here."

Mora has officially joined Roma after weeks of negotiations with Porto and completed his first training session on 19 August. The young forward will make his debut at the Olimpico on Monday and has been presented to supporters through an official interview with the club. Mora expressed his gratitude to Roma and Porto, and acknowledged the passionate welcome from fans at the airport. He highlighted his childhood connection to Paulo Dybala, saying: "I grew up with Dybala during my childhood. Now being able to play with him is very gratifying for me. I can't wait to meet him." The forward has already spoken with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and expressed enthusiasm about working with him, noting that Gasperini likes to use number 10s. Mora will wear number 86, which he has worn since Porto's Under-15 academy. When asked about his strengths, Mora said: "My ability to free myself from opponents in complicated situations." He acknowledged his first Champions League campaign and previous experience playing at the Olimpico, where he was impressed by the atmosphere. On the protracted transfer process, he stated: "It was a difficult negotiation that lasted quite a long time. I couldn't wait to get here and had faith, even though it seemed things weren't going well. I must be grateful for the support I received." Closing with a message to the fans, he said: "Thank you for the support. I will always give my best on the pitch. Always Forza Roma!"

Rodrigo Mora landed at Rome's Ciampino airport on 18 August after completing his move from Porto, receiving a warm welcome from Roma supporters before his official presentation. The young attacking midfielder spoke to the club's media channels about his arrival, his ambitions, and what lies ahead in giallorosso. Mora expressed his delight at joining Roma and playing alongside Paulo Dybala, a player he admired growing up. On working under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, he said: "Yes, undoubtedly I'm very keen to work with the manager too. I think he really likes number 10s, and I like to play in that role. I believe we'll get on well." He also reflected on having faced Roma as an opponent, describing the atmosphere as striking: "I remember the fans, who made an impression on me. It's a very passionate fan base, and very loud. The noise of the fans impressed me—it was a difficult match in which Roma won, but what struck me most were the fans." Mora highlighted his ability to escape defenders in difficult situations as his main strength. He explained his choice of shirt number, which he selected at age 15 while playing for Porto's B team and has never changed. On his move, he acknowledged the transfer was protracted but said he always had faith. He also expressed his lifelong dream of playing in the Champions League, something he will now have the opportunity to pursue at Roma.