Mora becomes first Roma player to wear number 86, completing the shirt number record

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.

Roma are actively exploring departures in the current transfer window. Jan Ziółkowski is in line to leave the club, with several Arab clubs monitoring the Polish defender. The 2005-born centre-back has attracted interest due to his youth and established international pedigree, and Roma are awaiting offers. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini would prefer to move on Daniele Ghilardi instead, but Ziółkowski commands greater market appeal. The arrival of Koulierakis has squeezed playing time for the young Pole, as the new signing can operate as left-centre-back in place of Mario Hermoso or centrally to rotate with Evan N'Dicka. Matías Soulé also remains available for transfer, though no offers have yet reached Roma's Trigoria training ground for the winger. Updates on potential departures are expected in the coming days as the club looks to balance the squad and generate funds. Gasperini's preference for which defender to sell underscores the tactical flexibility now available following recent recruitment, with multiple defensive options enabling the manager to make strategic choices about squad composition.

Roma played their final pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on 15 August, with kickoff at 17:30. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini left Molina on the bench and deployed Lulli at left-back in Wesley's absence. Donyell Malen led the attack in a 3-4-2-1 formation that also featured Mile Svilar in goal, a back line of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso, midfielders Devyne Rensch, Neil El Aynaoui, Bryan Cristante and Lulli, with Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé in support. The match offered Gasperini a chance to assess the squad's development ahead of the new season. Dortmund lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under coach Kovac, with Gregor Kobel in goal and Serhou Guirassy leading their attack. Roma had several players available on the bench, including De Marzi, Pierluigi Gollini, Koulierakis, Castro, Manu Koné, Molina, Jan Ziółkowski, Mannini, Reale, Robinio Vaz, Morucci and Daniele Ghilardi.

Roma concluded their summer pre-season schedule with a 2–2 draw against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on 15 August. Paulo Dybala and Bryan Cristante put the Giallorossi ahead early on, with goals in the fourth and ninth minutes respectively, but Dortmund levelled through Ryerson and Serhou Guirassy by the 28th minute under manager Niko Kovac. The friendly served as the final test before Roma's Serie A campaign opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico on 24 August. Gian Piero Gasperini fielded a rotating squad throughout the match, with substitutions made at the hour mark and beyond. Neil El Aynaoui started at left-back before making way for Manu Koné, while Devyne Rensch gave way to Nicolás Molina. Donyell Malen led the attack in the first half before being replaced by Castro at the 60-minute mark. Roma's defence saw changes in the closing stages, with Mile Svilar and Gianluca Mancini withdrawn at the 86th minute in favour of Pierluigi Gollini and Daniele Ghilardi. Devyne Rensch was cautioned in the 13th minute. The fixture marked the conclusion of Roma's pre-season tour following training at Trigoria and an earlier English leg.