Official: Kumbulla Joins Rayo Vallecano on Loan with Option to Buy

Roma's preparation continues ahead of a friendly against Brighton, the final match of their British tour. Defender Marash Kumbulla has officially joined Rayo Vallecano on loan with a right of purchase. Mile Svilar spoke to Radio Romanista, reflecting on his Champions League experiences, anecdotes from his time at Roma, and his outlook for the future. Tickets went on sale for Roma's Serie A fixture against Fiorentina. Antonio Rüdiger was pictured proudly wearing the number 10 shirt of Roma legend Francesco Totti, underlining the cultural significance of the shirt within the club. The day's news caps a busy summer window period for the Giallorossi as they prepare for the new campaign.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has signed a contract extension with Roma through 30 June 2027, ending speculation from Premier League clubs and Juventus. An official announcement is expected in the coming hours. The move secures the club's number 7 and caps weeks of negotiation. Mile Svilar reinforced his commitment to the club in a radio interview, saying: "I am happy here, my family is happy here. I want to stay at Roma." He outlined the squad's objectives: progressing in the Champions League, starting strongly in Serie A, and maintaining competitive intensity. Bryan Cristante, speaking from the pre-season camp, expressed enthusiasm for Gian Piero Gasperini's work and confirmed the group is eager to reunite with Pellegrini. Cristante also dismissed reports of lingering tension with Paulo Dybala: "Everything was cleared up immediately, with no lasting issues." Ticket sales for Roma's home opener against Fiorentina on Monday 24 August at 20:45 began today, generating immediate demand with over 3,000 supporters queuing online. The 40,000 season-ticket allocation was exhausted long ago. Separately, Marash Kumbulla's departure to Rayo Vallecano on a loan with a right of redemption was confirmed, ending his Roma tenure after 68 appearances, 4 goals, and the 2022 Conference League triumph.

Nearly a year after requesting a left-sided attacking winger with a right foot, Gian Piero Gasperini remains without the reinforcement he wants. A meeting between Gasperini and Roma's ownership on the evening of 6 August ended without satisfaction; the coach is frustrated by the slowness of closing deals, with Greenwood and Summerville cited as examples. Roma face Brighton tomorrow at 15:00 local time in the final pre-season friendly of their UK tour before returning to Rome. The hunt for a left winger continues to complicate Roma's transfer agenda. Nusa of Leipzig remains the top target but the German club is demanding €60 million—too high for the Friedkin Group's budget for that role. Roma hope to negotiate the price down. Fofana of Lyon is an alternative, though doubts exist over his physical attributes. The delay is compounded by the need to offload Matías Soulé and Manu Koné first; neither has received concrete offers despite interest. Soulé's agent made a trip to Wales followed by Spain, but no news has emerged. Gasperini fears that if negotiations drag on, Roma may be forced to turn to backup targets. Lorenzo Pellegrini has signed a contract extension until 2027 and will undergo medical examinations at the Campus tomorrow. The Brighton match concludes the tour; Gasperini will then grant two days' rest before a final test against Borussia Dortmund on 15 August ahead of the Serie A opener against Fiorentina on 24 August. Molina is expected to arrive between Sunday and Tuesday, with no doubts over that deal's completion.