Nottingham Forest bids €15m for Ziółkowski as Borussia Dortmund eyes Soulé

Givairo Read, the twenty-year-old Feyenoord winger, has attracted Roma's interest as a potential reinforcement. Robin van Persie, who managed Read at Feyenoord's Under-18 level and now coaches the club's senior side, offered a glowing assessment last summer: "As a person, he has remained the same boy he was three years ago – while many footballers change because of status and money. He doesn't. As a footballer, he is making enormous progress: he is simply fantastic and I believe he is ready to make the quality leap." Manchester City had shown interest in Read a year ago, but no deal materialised. Read, who turned twenty on 2 June, is considered a potential heir to Denzel Dumfries at international level and was linked with Inter as a replacement for his compatriot. Standing 1.84 metres tall, he began his career as a fullback but has developed into an attacking right-winger capable of playing on the left when needed. Last season proved more complicated than anticipated: after a strong start, a thigh injury forced him to miss much of the second half, limiting him to nineteen appearances compared to thirty-two in 2024–25. He recovered in time to contribute to Feyenoord's second-place finish. Trained early in his career by former Inter player Wim Jonk at Volendam, Read possesses technical skill, personality and pace that have caught the attention of multiple European clubs. For a manager like Gasperini, who has a proven eye for Dutch football, Read could prove a valuable addition both in the short term and for the future.

AS Roma have completed the signing of centre-back Konstantinos Koulierakis from Wolfsburg. The 23-year-old Greek defender arrived on 1 August, with the transfer officially confirmed the previous evening. Roma paid €15 million plus €1 million in add-ons to secure him. Koulierakis touched down at Ciampino airport in the morning, underwent medical tests, and signed his contract with the club. He has chosen to wear the number 33 shirt. The defender will travel to Wales later in the day as Roma prepare for their pre-season schedule. A social media post featuring a photograph comparing Koulierakis with Kostas Manolas—both sharing the same first name—celebrating a goal against Barcelona circulated online during his unveiling.

Roma are in the final stages of negotiations to sign Givairo Read from Feyenoord, with today potentially a decisive day in the transfer. The club has tabled an offer of €25 million in fixed fees and bonuses, which Read has approved after speaking with head coach Gasperini. Feyenoord are expected to respond by the end of the weekend. Nottingham Forest have also bid for the right-back, offering €21 million but with a more lucrative personal package for the player, and the Dutch club hopes to spark an auction between the two suitors—though neither Roma nor Nottingham Forest appears eager to escalate the bidding war. Fresh calls between the parties took place yesterday to try to reach an agreement soon. Gasperini is pressing for attacking reinforcements as well, with the squad set to begin the new campaign in just over three weeks. Nusa is the primary target for a left-sided attacking role, though that avenue is complicated. Mastantuono and Endrick, who scored against Fiorentina yesterday, are also under consideration, with Endrick preferred—but his arrival depends on Matías Soulé's departure first.

Konstantinos Koulierakis has completed his move to AS Roma from Wolfsburg on a deal worth €16 million plus €1.5 million in add-ons, signing a contract until 2031. The Greek centre-back will link up with Gian Piero Gasperini's squad and is expected to be in Wales immediately as the club continues pre-season preparations. Koulierakis joins an already established defensive unit at the Stadio Olimpico comprising Gianluca Mancini, Mario Hermoso, Evan N'Dicka, Jan Ziółkowski and Daniele Ghilardi. His arrival strengthens Gasperini's options at the heart of defence as Roma look to build on their existing squad depth. Wolfsburg issued a farewell message on social media, stating: "Treat him well. He will give you everything. Konstantinos Koulierakis moves to Roma. Thank you for your commitment in white and green and the best of luck for your new challenge, Koulie." Gasperini continues to pursue additional reinforcements, particularly in attack, as the club prepares for the 2026–27 season.

Roma suffered a 4–1 defeat to Championship side Cardiff City at Cardiff City Stadium on the opening day of their pre-season training camp in Wales. The match exposed significant defensive vulnerabilities in the first half, with Wesley and Rensch at fault for several errors. Cardiff scored three goals in the opening period through two strikes by Ashford and one from Salech, while Paulo Dybala missed a penalty. Roma's night was further complicated by an injury to Bah. Gasperini's side showed improvement after the interval. Dybala converted an assist from Matías Soulé to pull one back, but Cardiff's Tanner restored the two-goal cushion shortly after. Jan Ziółkowski struck the woodwork late on but could not find the back of the net. The result highlighted areas requiring immediate work as Roma prepare for the 2026–27 season.

Konstantinos Koulierakis landed at Ciampino airport at 13:10 on 1 August as Roma's second summer signing. The Greek defender arrived with his entourage and partner to a reception of around 25 supporters, who greeted him with chants and applause. He made an immediate impression by holding a fan's daughter, marking his first moment as a Roma player. The deal was completed on 31 July. Roma will pay Wolfsburg €16.5 million plus €1.5 million in bonuses, with the German club retaining a 20 per cent share of any future sale. Koulierakis has signed a contract until 2031 worth approximately €2 million per season. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will use him to complete his defensive line alongside Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, Mario Hermoso, Daniele Ghilardi and Jan Ziółkowski. Koulierakis will undergo medical examinations in Rome before departing immediately for Wales, where Gasperini and the rest of the squad are continuing their pre-season training camp.