Mancini's Commitment: Roma Defender Signs New Deal Until 2029

Roma are studying an official offer for Konstantinos Koulierakis, a promising Greek centre-back at Wolfsburg, according to Alfredo Pedullà. Sporting director Tony D'Amico has identified the 2003-born defender as a priority target, with the club's leadership now analysing the financial details needed to structure a formal proposal to the German club. Koulierakis is a key player for Wolfsburg and features regularly for the Greek national team, attracting attention from Premier League and La Liga clubs. The 21-year-old possesses the physical attributes and tactical profile that align with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's system, combining aerial dominance, strength in anticipated challenges, and the aggressive man-marking approach the Italian coach demands. Roma are keen to move quickly and beat rival suitors to secure a prospect already experienced at the highest level, ensuring depth in a central defensive line essential for navigating the season's domestic and European fixtures. Gasperini's squad continues to evolve across multiple areas, with work progressing on the attack and wide positions alongside this defensive reinforcement. Roma view Koulierakis as a high-calibre addition capable of providing rotation at the heart of defence while possessing the maturity to make an immediate impact.

Roma are on the verge of signing Greek central defender Konstantinos Koulierakis from Wolfsburg for approximately 15 million euros on a permanent deal. The 25-year-old, who played in the Bundesliga last season, will arrive as cover for Mario Hermoso, one of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's key targets in the transfer market. Koulierakis began his career at Paok Salonicco before joining Wolfsburg last summer for around 12 million euros. A left-footed defender standing 1.88 metres tall, he impressed quickly at Paok in the 2022–23 season and earned recognition from the Greek national team, for whom he has made 22 appearances since his first call-up in 2022. Inter enquired about him in January, while Juventus tracked him previously. His defensive strengths include anticipation and aerial play. Koulierakis featured in a friendly against Greece in June and has already established himself as a regular in the national setup. The move to Rome will add depth to Gasperini's backline as the club strengthens its defensive options ahead of the new season.

Santiago Castro has chosen to wear the number 9 shirt at Roma, a symbolic decision that reflects the Argentine striker's ambition and willingness to shoulder the responsibility of a jersey historically reserved for the club's greatest centre-forwards. The 2004-born forward will have his nameplate read "S. CASTRO" on the back of his shirt, completing the personalisation details ahead of the official announcement of his transfer. Castro's selection of the number 9 underlines his character and leadership qualities as he prepares for his new chapter at the Stadio Olimpico under manager Gian Piero Gasperini. The choice carries significant weight in Roma's history, as the shirt has been donned by many of the club's most celebrated strikers. With both the number and nameplate confirmed, Roma's official store is ready to begin custom shirt orders for supporters. The transfer details remain to be formally confirmed by the club, though the personalisation choices suggest the deal is progressing toward completion.

Claudio Ranieri has accepted a role with the Italian Football Federation, joining the national team setup as president of club Italia and technical director alongside head coach Mancini. The move comes a year after Ranieri turned down the Italy job to remain at Roma, a decision he has since come to regret following his departure from the Giallorossi in 2025. Ranieri managed Roma across three separate spells, most recently in 2024–25, when he guided the club from relegation danger towards Champions League qualification before being dismissed. The Friedkin Group had blocked his appointment to the national team last year, refusing to allow him to work on a dual track. His choice to stay proved costly; relations between Ranieri and coach Gian Piero Gasperini deteriorated from the start, and the federation ultimately moved in another direction. In his new advisory capacity, Ranieri will work alongside Mancini and support Italy's path through the upcoming European Championship in two years and beyond towards the next World Cup. At 74, Ranieri brings 1,361 managerial appointments across his career, including his celebrated Leicester City title triumph. His sole previous experience with a national team came during a brief, unsuccessful spell with Greece from July to November 2014, comprising four matches. Ranieri's primary task will be to consult with domestic club coaches without overstepping, a balance he learned to strike during his Roma tenure.

Mile Svilar has reaffirmed his commitment to AS Roma, stating he has no interest in a move to Juventus despite reported interest from the Serie A champions following his performance in a friendly against Cannes. The goalkeeper's declaration comes as Roma awaits official confirmation of Santiago Castro, the club's first summer signing. Artem Dovbyk has departed for Bologna, marking another change in Roma's forward line as the club reshapes its squad during the transfer window. Svilar's public stance underscores Roma's defensive strength and his intention to remain at the Giallorossi despite external interest from rival clubs. Elsewhere, Roma's women's team announced new signings, while the Italian national team continues its rebuild under Mancini and Ranieri.

Matías Soulé has been proposed to AC Milan through intermediaries as Roma reshape their attacking department. The Argentine playboy, whose future at Trigoria remains uncertain amid the club's offensive restyling, could offer a solution for the Rossoneri. The proposal arrives at a critical moment in the summer window, with Roma eager to generate funds and unlock the incoming transfers demanded by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Milan has not yet responded officially to the possibility of opening talks. Roma's primary focus remains the right flank, where Zeki Çelik's departure to Juventus on a free transfer has created a significant gap. The club's director of sport Tony D'Amico has identified Ivan Fresneda, a Spanish fullback born in 2004 currently at Sporting Lisbon, as the main target. However, Sporting's valuation of at least 25 million euros complicates negotiations, and Roma are weighing the economic sustainability of a potential deal. Elsewhere, Mile Svilar has ruled out any move away from Roma, telling Corriere dello Sport: "For me there has only ever been Roma, you should know that by now after my renewal. I am focused on giving my best for this shirt, this club and these fans. My heart is here." In a separate development, Claudio Ranieri has been named director and president of Club Italia alongside the return of Roberto Mancini as Italy head coach—a decision they made jointly with federation president Giovanni Malagò.

Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract renewal at AS Roma remains unsigned despite an agreement being reached in principle between the club and his agent Pocetta. The midfielder is set to earn 2.5 million euros plus bonuses over two seasons, with a unilateral option for the club to extend the deal until 2029. However, the signing has been delayed, with Pellegrini's physical condition emerging as a complicating factor. Pellegrini suffered a setback to a right thigh muscular injury in May while attempting to recover in time for the Derby della Capitale. The injury stems from a torn rectus femoris tendon sustained in May 2025, for which he underwent surgery by Dr. Lempainen in Finland. Pellegrini reportedly travelled to Finland for a follow-up examination with the specialist, during which a procedure to clean the old scar tissue was performed. Head coach Gian Piero Gasparini, Bryan Cristante, and Mile Svilar have all publicly expressed hope for a positive resolution. Final approval from the Friedkin Group is awaited before the contract can be completed, with expectations that the signature could arrive in the coming week.

Gianluca Mancini has turned down significant offers to leave Roma, according to his agent Giuseppe Riso, who revealed the defender's commitment to the club despite receiving proposals to depart. Riso stated: "My plan was for Mancini to leave Roma, because we had received important offers. I told him that for me he's crazy, but he loves Roma. Gasperini and D'Amico were more persuasive than me in convincing him. I would have taken him away, but he refused: he wanted Roma. This is a gesture he makes for the Roma people. I'm happy because he's content." Mancini recently renewed his contract with Roma until 2029, cementing his long-term future at the Giallorossi. The 27-year-old has become a cornerstone of the defence under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Riso also praised Bryan Cristante, who has also extended his deal with the club, saying: "Bryan is the captain. He has 360 matches at Roma, he is a pillar and I believe he will enter Roma's history."

Gianluca Mancini has reinforced his commitment to AS Roma by getting the letters 'SPQR' tattooed on his left thigh, a symbol of his deep connection to the club. The centre-back rejected interest from Inter Milan during the summer transfer window and signed a contract renewal on 18 July that keeps him at Roma until 2029. Mancini's agent Giuseppe Riso revealed to fcinter1908 that the defender had turned down more lucrative offers elsewhere. Riso said: "I wanted to take him away with even more important offers (laughs) but he wanted at all costs to stay at Roma." He continued: "Gasperini and D'Amico were better than me at convincing him, I would have sold him but he refused everything for Roma. It's a gesture he makes for Roma." Riso added: "I told him he's crazy, I'm happy because he's happy. He could have earned more but he's happy." Mancini's refusal to join Inter came as the Nerazzurri sought defensive reinforcement under Chivu. Riso also praised fellow Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante, saying: "He never had any intention of leaving Roma, he is Roma's captain and will go down in the history of the club forever." The agent's comments underline the loyalty both players have shown to the Giallorossi despite external interest.

Roma remain committed to signing Diego Moreira despite negotiations with Strasbourg stalling over valuation. The French club initially demanded nearly €60 million for the left-back, a figure Roma deemed excessive. However, the transfer of an ex-Cagliari player has shifted dynamics: BlueCo, which owns both Strasbourg and Chelsea, is now willing to sell Moreira at a similar price. Roma's strategy, orchestrated by D'Amico, involves waiting for Strasbourg to lower their asking price, banking on the fact that no other club is prepared to meet their current demands. Mendes, Moreira's agent, is pushing for the move. Personal terms have already been agreed with the Belgian winger, who would receive a contract worth approximately €2.5 million per season—a significant increase from his current €900,000 annual salary. D'Amico plans to return to Strasbourg within days to resume negotiations. Meanwhile, Roma are exploring alternative options across the pitch. On the right flank, attention is focused on Fresneda, a Spanish 2004-born prospect from Sporting CP, where negotiations are underway. Sporting are asking €25 million; Roma hope to negotiate closer to €15 million. Belghali of Verona, capable of playing both flanks and also of interest to Napoli, remains an option. In terms of departures, Salah-Eddine and Angeliño are available for transfer, whilst Alessio Cacciamani of Torino is under consideration as a backup to Wesley.

Roma's recruitment drive continues at Trigoria following Santiago Castro's arrival, with sporting director D'Amico unwilling to pause activity. The club is working multiple fronts to strengthen the squad, with a left-footed left-winger now the top priority. Nusa remains a live target with costs currently under exploration, while Ezzalzouli at Betis is also being evaluated. Roma are monitoring developments at Leipzig, particularly around Diomande's potential move to Real Madrid, which could free up Endrick. There are indications that Endrick's parent club might sanction a loan move—a deal structured similarly to Nico Paz's arrangement—if the Brazilian's representatives give approval. Beyond attacking options, Roma need reinforcements at full-back. Gasperini currently has only Wesley and Rensch available, with Angeliño sidelined. The club require two full-backs, one per flank. Fresneda is among the profiles being tracked, though not the only candidate. Diego Moreira's valuations have dropped significantly due to prohibitively high costs. Defensively, Gasperini and D'Amico are also considering moves for a left-sided centre-back with a left foot to provide additional cover.

Roma are pursuing a significant revamp of their defensive and attacking flanks following Santiago Castro's arrival. Sporting CP's Ivan Fresneda remains the priority target for the right-back position, with the Portuguese club valuing the Spanish defender at approximately €15 million. Roma are intensifying diplomatic contact to negotiate that fee downwards. Wesley is the first-choice right-back, with Devyne Rensch providing cover, though the club believes additional quality additions are necessary. Rafik Belghali remains a backup option but has not entirely convinced the coaching staff due to fitness concerns. On the left flank, a major restructure is underway. Anass Salah-Eddine is close to departing after failing to fit Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical requirements, with PSV Eindhoven preparing a return deal following his loan spell there last season. The player had preferred a Premier League move, but PSV are advancing towards completing the transfer. Angeliño's position is also uncertain. The Spanish defender has not fully convinced Gasperini during pre-season and Roma will consider offers for him. Deportivo La Coruña have registered interest, though no formal bids have yet reached the club.