Kumbulla set for Rayo Vallecano loan as Roma continue squad overhaul

Marash Kumbulla is closing in on a loan move to Rayo Vallecano after returning to Roma this summer. The Albanian defender, who rejoined the club following his last loan spell, does not feature in head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's plans and has been placed among the outgoings. According to Fabrizio Romano, Rayo Vallecano are in advanced negotiations to sign Kumbulla on a temporary deal, which would give the centre-back greater playing time in the new season. Kumbulla, who was born in 2000, was immediately identified as a surplus player upon his return to Trigoria. Roma's sporting department moved quickly to arrange a fresh club, and an agreement between the two sides is now down to the final details. The loan formula is expected to be the basis of the transfer, allowing the defender to find regular football elsewhere while Roma manage their squad needs.

Konstantinos Koulierakis arrived in the capital on 1 August 2026 and trained with Gian Piero Gasperini's squad this morning, becoming the second summer reinforcement after Castro. The defender gave his first interview as a Roma player, explaining his immediate decision to join: "When my agent told me Roma was interested in me, I answered straight away: 'Let's go'. I want to do my best to become part of this great Italian club. I had no doubt whatsoever." Koulierakis cited Tsimikas and Joakim Maehle, both former Wolfsburg teammates, as sources of information about Gasperini. "They told me he is one of the greatest coaches in Italy and I'm very excited to work with him," he said. The 25-year-old Greek defender named Sergio Ramos as his childhood idol "for his mentality, his strength and his character" and Aymeric Laporte as a stylistic influence, noting they share the left-foot trait. On his own attributes, he said: "I believe my main strength is my left foot, but also my mental strength: I never give up and I always want to win." Koulierakis expressed eagerness to play at the Olimpico, saying the atmosphere is "incredible," and revealed he had spoken with Kostas Manolas by telephone this summer, discussing Roma's importance as a step in his career. He also recalled Manolas' Champions League header against Barcelona, describing it as "an incredible match." He closed with gratitude to the club's owners: "I am really happy to be here right now. Forza Roma!"

Konstantinos Koulierakis has completed his transfer to Roma, with the official announcement arriving on 1 August 2026. The defender spoke for the first time as a Roma player, expressing immediate enthusiasm for the move. When his agent informed him of Roma's interest, Koulierakis said he had no hesitation: "I told him 'ok, let's go!' I asked him to do the maximum to make me a player of this club, so important in Italy. I had no doubt whatsoever; I only thought about being ready to sign for Roma." Koulierakis cited conversations with Kostas Tsimikas and Joakim Maehle of Wolfsburg about head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, calling him one of Italy's finest managers. He also revealed he knows Kostas Manolas, having spoken to him this summer about joining Roma—a conversation Koulierakis described as meaningful. The 23-year-old identified Sergio Ramos and Aymeric Laporte as his defensive inspirations, praising their mentality, strength, and playing style. He noted that like Laporte, he is left-footed. Koulierakis highlighted his left foot and mental toughness as his main strengths, emphasizing his drive to improve and win. He expressed eagerness to experience the Stadio Olimpico atmosphere in person, having watched it on television and in videos. Koulierakis also referenced Manolas's role in Roma's famous 3–0 victory over Barcelona, describing it as a great performance he had watched. He thanked the ownership for their faith in him and concluded with "Forza Roma!"