Mora deal nears completion; Luis Henrique leads contenders for left-back role

Roma are accelerating their pursuit of a backup left-back after the arrival of Molina, with director D'Amico monitoring three profiles: Luis Henrique of Inter, Cacciamani of Torino, and Udogie of Tottenham. Each presents distinct obstacles and different characteristics for the same purpose. Coach Gasperini is preparing to welcome Rodrigo Mora after more than a year, but the squad needs reinforcement on the flank to rotate Wesley, the sole established option alongside Rensch in that position. Udogie stands out as the most primed prospect among the three. The former Udinese defender combines imposing physical structure with ball-carrying ability capable of breaking down defences. His Premier League experience—curtailed by muscle injuries affecting his thigh and knee—has allowed him to develop as an additional wing-back operating inside the pitch, a characteristic that could prove fundamental to Gasperini's tactical system. The 23-year-old, who progressed through Hellas Verona's academy, recorded 28 appearances last season with Spurs. However, Tottenham may only entertain a loan move with an obligation to buy, whereas Roma are seeking a purchase option instead. Among the three, Cacciamani represents the more defensive profile, though his experience in English football has cultivated offensive traits and explosive pace. Gasperini has stressed that fullbacks in his setup must defend the flanks while contributing to build-up play and offering attacking thrust.

Roma will open their 2026-27 season at the Olimpico against Fiorentina on Monday, 24 August at 20:45, with director D'Amico still working to finalise the squad ahead of the summer transfer window's closure on Tuesday, 1 September at 20:00. Rodrigo Mora, a left-sided winger described as a long-term target for Gasperini, is close to joining from Porto, and the club expects at least one further reinforcement before the deadline. However, Gasperini is likely to start the campaign with roughly 10 or 11 players from last season's squad. Molina is expected to earn a starting berth against Fiorentina, but the other recent arrivals face obstacles to immediate prominence. Koulierakis is unlikely to displace Mario Hermoso in the defensive hierarchy, and Castro faces a similar challenge against Donyell Malen despite the winger's low-profile preseason. Mora, expected in Italy in the coming days, will need time to integrate into Gasperini's system; Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé are likely to retain their attacking partnership. Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss the opener through injury, while Niccolò Pisilli hopes to return in the squad and Wesley is managing a minor ankle sprain sustained in Saturday's friendly against Borussia Dortmund.

Rodrigo Mora is on the verge of joining Roma after days of negotiations were unblocked, with agent Jorge Mendes instrumental in keeping talks open between the clubs. The deal will be completed on a permanent basis for €25 million, with Porto retaining 50% of any future resale value. Roma will have the option to acquire that resale percentage for a further €25 million within a year. Gasperini will finally receive the right-footed attacking winger he has requested, addressing a gap in the squad. Once the Mora transfer closes, sporting director D'Amico will shift focus to signing a left-sided full-back to operate across the entire flank. Cacciamani of Torino and Udogie of Tottenham are the leading candidates, though Luis Henrique of Inter is also under consideration. The Brazilian, despite being naturally right-footed, could offer Gasperini flexibility to deploy as a supporting forward option. D'Amico has prioritised the Mora deal because the financial structure is sustainable relative to other options evaluated. The final details are now being finalised before documents are exchanged and the operation is sealed.