Koulierakis arrives at Roma as Gasperini's new defensive reinforcement

AS Roma completed the signing of defender Konstantinos Koulierakis on 1 August 2026, with the Greek international arriving at Ciampino airport to begin his medical and contract formalities. Koulierakis joins on a permanent deal from Wolfsburg for a fixed fee of €16.5 million, with €1.5 million in add-ons and a 20 per cent sell-on clause included in the agreement. He becomes Roma's second summer signing after Castro. The 23-year-old represents a significant defensive reinforcement for Gian Piero Gasperini's squad as the club prepares for the 2026–27 season. Koulierakis, who has featured regularly in the Bundesliga, brings experience at a high level and adds depth to Roma's backline alongside existing defenders including Mario Hermoso, Evan N'Dicka, and Gianluca Mancini. The transfer was confirmed across social media on 1 August, with images and video of Koulierakis and his agent Paschalis Tountouris captured during their journey to the Italian capital. The defender will now complete standard club procedures before being integrated into pre-season training.

Konstantinos Koulierakis has landed at Rome's Ciampino airport to complete his transfer to AS Roma, becoming the club's second summer signing after Castro. The Greek defender touched down at 13:10 local time, 40 minutes behind schedule, and was greeted by roughly 25 supporters who sang and applauded his arrival. Roma agreed the deal with Wolfsburg on 31 July, paying €16.5 million plus €1.5 million in add-ons, with the German club retaining 20 per cent of any future sale profit. Koulierakis has signed a contract until 2031 on wages of approximately €2 million per season. The 24-year-old will undergo his medical examinations in Rome before immediately departing for Wales, where head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and the rest of the squad are continuing their pre-season training camp. Koulierakis will join Roma's defensive line alongside Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, Mario Hermoso, Daniele Ghilardi and Jan Ziółkowski as Gasperini shapes his backline for the 2026–27 campaign. The arrival completes a key piece of the recruitment jigsaw for the Giallorossi.

Roma are continuing their search for a left-winger but are unlikely to move for Brentford's Schade, whose €60 million valuation the club views as prohibitively expensive. Roma's director of sport has made enquiries about the German winger but will not pursue the deal at that price. The pursuit follows the collapse of the Ezzalzouli option, while Nusa remains under consideration despite the high cost involved. Schade is one of several wing targets on Roma's radar as the club looks to strengthen in attacking positions. The director, who is not present in Wales, intends to complete additional signings after securing Castro and Koulierakis. Endrick and Mastantuono are also on the shortlist, though a sale of Soulé—who is attracting interest from AC Milan—may be necessary to fund those moves. Rafael Leão has also been monitored as a potential market opportunity should the Portuguese winger remain at Milan in the final days of the transfer window.