Mora close to arrival as Roma lighten squad; Koné's role as midfield anchor becomes key

Lionel Messi has included Porto talent Rodrigo Mora in his curated list of ten emerging talents, offering a significant endorsement as Roma prepare a move for the young player. The selection was announced in October 2025 as part of Messi's collaboration with Adidas, titled "Messi +10 - Season 2". The campaign featured the Argentine legend shuffling playing cards and laying them on a table, with narration explaining the selection process: "The perfect hand... everything begins with the deck. Nothing is left to chance. Every card is taken into account and a true master knows how to select them. A complete hand of aces, the perfect 10. This is how you choose the future of the game." Rodrigo Mora's card appeared among the ten selections. Mora could arrive at Roma in the coming days to join Gian Piero Gasperini's squad, though not all supporters have yet been convinced of his qualities. The "Messi +10" initiative celebrates a new generation of players who see the game differently, driven by the same creative spark that defined Messi's two-decade career at Barcelona. The list includes peers such as Nico Paz and Mika Godts—all sponsored by Adidas. Notably, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, also an Adidas athlete, was omitted, suggesting Messi views him as an established talent rather than an emerging prospect.

Rodrigo Mora's transfer is nearing completion, but head coach Gasperini has reiterated his need for reinforcements across the squad. In talks yesterday with sporting director Tony D'Amico, Gasperini stressed the requirement for two attackers and a left winger to complete the team. Mora, the 19-year-old Portuguese forward represented by Jorge Mendes, fits the profile Gasperini requested—an attacker with similar characteristics to Paulo Dybala, to be deployed on the left. Roma will pay Porto €25 million, with the Portuguese club retaining 50% of any future sale, a clause that can be cancelled by paying an additional €25 million by 2027. With Mora progressing, Roma's focus shifts to securing a left winger. Tottenham's Udogie remains the strongest candidate, though negotiations centre on the structure of the deal and the potential departure of Spence to Inter. Luis Henrique of Inter has recently emerged as an alternative; Inter values him at €30 million and Roma is studying a loan deal with a right of purchase. Cacciamani of Torino also remains a target, with Torino willing to lower their asking price to €15 million.

Roma is closing in on signing Rodrigo Mora from Porto in what would be the club's fourth summer acquisition. Head coach Gasperini has long sought a player to fill the wide role, and the club is confident Mora, a 2007-born talent naturally a number 10, can be repositioned on the flank. Sporting director D'Amico has tabled €45 million, structured in a creative format designed to limit the immediate financial impact on the club's balance sheet. In-principle agreement has been reached and Jorge Mendes is overseeing the fine details. Mora will sign a five-year contract with an escalating wage structure, earning approximately €2 million net per season on average. The move comes as Gasperini continues to reshape his squad following his appointment last season. Roma remains active in the market, pursuing Cacciamani from Torino as a secondary winger option; the young fullback has experience as a wing-back from his youth career. Luis Henrique, surplus to requirements at Inter, has been offered but has not yet attracted serious interest. Tottenham has declined a loan-with-purchase-option arrangement for Udogie. If Soulé departs, Roma will reportedly attempt to sign Endrick, though Real Madrid is said to be determined to keep the Brazilian.

Roma have opened cup subscriptions for the 2026–27 season, covering five matches: four Champions League group-phase home fixtures and a Coppa Italia round-of-16 tie. Prices start at €31 per match. Serie A season-ticket holders receive priority access from 12:00 on 12 August to 13:00 on 19 August, with the option to select a different seat. General sale runs from 15:00 on 19 August until 18:00 on 26 August or until sold out. Two packages are offered—Classic and Plus, the latter allowing resale rights for all matches; seat transfers are not available. Portuguese talent Rodrigo Mora is nearing a move to Roma, with a contract ready until 2031 and personal terms already agreed. Negotiations with Porto continue over structure rather than principle; Roma propose €25 million upfront plus 50 per cent of future resale proceeds, with an option to pay a further €25 million in 2027 to eliminate the resale clause. Porto prefer the buyout figure to stand at €25 million from the outset. Gabriel Martinelli remains under pursuit; Roma have opened talks with Roc Nation Sports, his representatives. Arsenal would consider selling for approximately €50 million, though his €11 million-per-season gross salary remains a sticking point as Roma seek to negotiate downward. In squad news, Manu Koné has returned from post-World Cup leave with no serious interest beyond a tentative Chelsea inquiry. Nahuel Molina landed at Rome Fiumicino airport yesterday and will sign a four-year contract today, becoming immediately available to Gian Piero Gasperini. Lorenzo Pellegrini, the captain, continues recovery from a right thigh muscle relapse and will rejoin group training after 15 August.

Roma returned to training at Trigoria on 11 August after a two-day break granted by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini following the club's pre-season camp in the United Kingdom. Midfielder Manu Koné and defender Nahuel Molina both rejoined the squad after their post-World Cup holidays and trained with the full group on the afternoon of 11 August. Molina, who arrived in Rome on the evening of 10 August, signed a four-year contract with the club before taking part in the session. Lorenzo Pellegrini was absent from training due to a right thigh muscle injury (rectus femoris) that has not fully healed. The number 7, who recently signed a contract renewal, is not expected to be available until after 15 August. Pellegrini's absence marks a significant gap in Roma's midfield as the club continues preparations for the 2026–27 campaign under Gasperini.

Roma continues to struggle in finding an attacking left winger, prompting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to evaluate a significant tactical overhaul for the 2026–27 season. High costs and a lack of suitable profiles have left the position unfilled despite sustained efforts, pushing the club to consider a strategic change in formation. The proposal would move away from two attacking midfielders supporting a single striker toward a system with one attacking midfielder behind two forwards. This tactical shift would align with Roma's recent recruitment priorities, including reported interest in players such as Rodrigo Mora and Endrick. With attacking options like Donyell Malen, a forward identified as Castro, and Robinio Vaz already in the squad, alongside creative midfielders of the calibre of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, Roma would have the versatility to reshape its attacking setup to suit the strengths of its available players and adapt the system to their characteristics.

Roma continues to struggle in finding an attacking left winger, prompting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to evaluate a significant tactical overhaul for the 2026–27 season. High costs and a lack of suitable profiles have left the position unfilled despite sustained efforts, pushing the club to consider a strategic change in formation. The proposal would move away from two attacking midfielders supporting a single striker toward a system with one attacking midfielder behind two forwards. This tactical shift would align with Roma's recent recruitment priorities, including reported interest in players such as Rodrigo Mora and Endrick. With attacking options like Donyell Malen, a forward identified as Castro, and Robinio Vaz already in the squad, alongside creative midfielders of the calibre of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, Roma would have the versatility to reshape its attacking setup to suit the strengths of its available players and adapt the system to their characteristics.

Beppe Bergomi has recommended Davide Frattesi to Roma, suggesting the midfielder could flourish under head coach Gasperini. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bergomi said: "I would see him fitting well. Someone like him, with that style of play, could score several goals." Roma's recruitment team continues to work intensively to complete the squad. The priority is to add another striker and a winger—possibly two—in the coming weeks. No midfield moves are planned unless there are unexpected departures. Mora is close to joining the club. Bergomi also praised Gasperini, describing him as "a certainty" and part of the generation that changed football. He noted: "He is unique in managing players, on the pitch and off it. The only weakness is that his teams have big peaks and then slumps. He'll need to be smart managing the double commitment, but he has Malen's goals on his side."

Rodrigo Mora, a Portuguese talent developed at Porto, is on the verge of joining Roma to strengthen Gian Piero Gasperini's squad. Mora can operate as a playmaker behind the striker and also as a winger, and will provide an understudy option to Paulo Dybala in the attacking midfield role. Alongside Dybala, Mora will support Donyell Malen and the team's striking setup as part of Gasperini's tactical rebuild during August. Mora's arrival forms part of a broader reshaping of Roma's squad. Nahuel Molina landed at Ciampino airport on 10 August and is undergoing medical checks and contract formalities before beginning his work at Trigoria. The return of midfielder Manu Koné, who was previously on loan, will also bolster the depth available to Gasperini. The convergence of these player movements represents Gasperini's effort to refine the team's tactical identity and competitive options across multiple positions.

Roma are close to finalizing the signing of Rodrigo Mora from Porto, with negotiations on the fee and future conditions nearing completion. The deal is reported to be worth €25 million, with potential adjustments to the sell-on clause—potentially lowering it from 50% to 40%—or the inclusion of an option for Roma to cancel the arrangement next year by paying additional funds. Mora is viewed as a Gasperini priority, with the coach seeking players who shoot frequently to increase Roma's attacking potential. Radio commentators offered mixed assessments of the transfer. Piero Torri stated: "We are not far from closing the deal for Rodrigo Mora. The boy comes from a singular growth trajectory where in the first year he performed very well while in the past season he was on the bench and I have doubts about the fee invested for the Portuguese player's transfer." Alessandro Vocalelli suggested Mora's arrival is somewhat incongruous with Roma's short-term ambitions, noting the squad has improved but remains incomplete for a title challenge. Franco Melli and others agreed Roma have strengthened defensively but lack sufficient firepower to compete for the Scudetto. Other potential targets discussed include left-back Udogie on loan with a buy option, though uncertainty remains over final attacking additions. Roberto Pruzzo warned against a repeat of the Robinio Vaz situation, where a costly acquisition underperformed.

Roma continues to struggle in finding an attacking left winger, prompting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to evaluate a significant tactical overhaul for the 2026–27 season. High costs and a lack of suitable profiles have left the position unfilled despite sustained efforts, pushing the club to consider a strategic change in formation. The proposal would move away from two attacking midfielders supporting a single striker toward a system with one attacking midfielder behind two forwards. This tactical shift would align with Roma's recent recruitment priorities, including reported interest in players such as Rodrigo Mora and Endrick. With attacking options like Donyell Malen, a forward identified as Castro, and Robinio Vaz already in the squad, alongside creative midfielders of the calibre of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, Roma would have the versatility to reshape its attacking setup to suit the strengths of its available players and adapt the system to their characteristics.

Roma radio commentators have dissected coach Gian Piero Gasperini's sudden withdrawal from media duties, with speculation linking his frustration to the club's transfer strategy and budget constraints. Matera reported that Gasperini did not attend a scheduled Sky interview after being in contact with the club hierarchy on Thursday, with Ryan Friedkin reportedly in France during the call. Matera noted that until Wednesday evening Gasperini had appeared calm, but something shifted Thursday night: "Gasperini was dedicated to signatures and photographs, something changed Thursday evening, because he did not present himself for the interview." Camelio suggested Gasperini had grown impatient with Roma's handling of summer deals, citing the lack of speed with Bergamo's executives over targets. He argued the club should have prioritized a wide player over centre-forward Artem Castro, pointing out that Dovbyk could have remained on the bench and noting Roma also has Robinio Vaz available. Camelio stated: "I would have gone all-in for the winger instead of taking Castro. Rowe is a player tailor-made for him." He added that Gasperini's silence this summer contrasts sharply with his talkative approach last season about the market, and suggested the club had reduced his salary budget, which irritated him. Marcacci argued that winger candidates may yet emerge from Serie A, naming Rowe and Leao as possibilities. Both commentators agreed that without an arriving winger, Roma would have a significant gap that validates Gasperini's concerns.