Malen's Netherlands Struggles: Limited Role and Possession-Based Play Contrasts With Roma Success

Commentary on Roma's transfer operations suggests head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is frustrated with how the club managed the Greenwood transfer. Questions have been raised about Roma's transfer timing and decision-making processes. The article features radio commentary discussing tactical preferences and squad building, with references to previous transfer dealings involving players linked to Marseille. Details remain unclear on the specific nature of Gasperini's concerns or what transfer alternatives Roma may be pursuing.

Roma midfielder Manu Koné started for France in their Round of 16 World Cup match against Paraguay, replacing the injured Aurélien Tchouameni. Despite the absence of Real Madrid's midfielder, French media and supporters have praised Koné's solid display. France won 1–0 thanks to a Kylian Mbappé penalty, advancing to the quarter-finals while demonstrating resilience against a compact defensive opponent. Koné earned widespread acclaim for his performance across both defensive and attacking phases. Journalist Olivier Bossard of L'Équipe stated: "I am not concerned about Tchouameni's absence. I think Koné will be very good and hold firm. We are not losing quality—in fact, we may even improve with him, because we gain attacking options without losing anything in defence." The Roma midfielder recorded 88 touches, tied for the match high, and attempted three long-range shots while making continuous defensive interventions. RMC Sport named him man of the match, though some outlets such as Le Figaro highlighted technical errors in the first half. Deschamps' assistant Guy Stéphan described Koné as "a different type of player, one with quality and a different profile," emphasizing his ball recovery abilities and distribution. Koné was cautioned late in the match but demonstrated the work rate and versatility that satisfied French staff and supporters alike.

El Aynaoui has emerged as a standout performer at the World Cup, transforming his fortunes after a difficult first season at Roma. The Moroccan midfielder, who began the tournament viewed skeptically by Roma supporters following inconsistent form and limited playing time, has now become the focal point of his national team across four matches. His performances have attracted attention from major European clubs including Liverpool and Barcelona, yet Roma remains confident in retaining the player, who has reportedly expressed his desire to continue in the capital. Gasperini views El Aynaoui as a cornerstone of Roma's midfield project and plans to give him expanded responsibility in the coming season. Last year, the midfielder ranked below Pisilli in the hierarchy as he adjusted to Serie A after his move from Ligue 1. Gasperini recognized his potential but deemed him lacking the consistency needed during critical moments. The World Cup has demonstrated his readiness; El Aynaoui has developed the rhythm and confidence that eluded him in his debut campaign. The coach now sees concrete qualities upon which to build rather than mere promise. El Aynaoui will not necessarily be a guaranteed starter, particularly if Manu Koné remains at the club, but his increased opportunities will carry greater weight. Roma views the interest from Liverpool and Barcelona as validation of the talent already in their possession. The player's second season at the club is positioned as his moment of full consacration in giallorosso.

AS Roma will announce details of its 2025–26 season ticket campaign on Monday, 6 July. The club posted social media hints with hourglass emojis signalling the announcement. The subscription drive will unfold in phases: first for renewals at the same seat, then for seat changes and the 25,000 fans on the waiting list. Roma aims to reach 40,000 season ticket holders, matching last season's target. A separate Champions League season ticket campaign will launch in late July or early August. Meanwhile, images of Roma's new kit for next season have surfaced online from overseas retailers ahead of the official reveal. The collar will feature the text "Con tutte le nostre forze" (With all our strength). Details of the design were already known, but the video confirms the kit is already in circulation in international stores. Transfer speculation continues around potential squad additions, with Pinamonti mentioned as a possible backup option to Malen.

Roma is exploring attacking reinforcements ahead of the upcoming season, with Pinamonti emerging as a potential option to serve as a backup to Donyell Malen. The club continues to pursue its primary offensive target, though details on the Pinamonti possibility remain limited. Roma's focus on strengthening the attack reflects ambitions to compete effectively in the coming campaign, with multiple options being evaluated in parallel to the main pursuit.

AS Roma is preparing to submit an official offer for English winger Mason Greenwood to Olympique Marseille in the coming days, with the bid expected around Tuesday. The package is reported to be worth approximately €45 million including bonuses, with Roma aiming to move ahead of rival interest from Atlético Madrid. In parallel, Argentine striker Artem Dovbyk is being pursued by Genoa, where former Roma manager Daniele De Rossi now coaches. Roma has shown openness to a loan arrangement for Dovbyk, though his wage demands remain a significant hurdle to any deal materializing. Meanwhile, Roma is also scouting attacking depth. For the role of deputy to Donyell Malen, the club is considering Nicolò Tresoldi from Club Bruges and Andrea Pinamonti from Sassuolo, with Lazio also keen on Pinamonti. Separately, midfielder Leandro Paredes has spoken publicly about Paulo Dybala's future. Paredes said: "For me it would be a pleasure to have him with me at Boca, then he will make his own decisions and surely will have many things on his mind." Dybala's contract status and potential departure remain topics of speculation as the transfer window enters a critical phase.