Oosterwolde chooses Roma: rejected two offers and seeks Fenerbahce release

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has explained the challenges Roma faced in the summer transfer window, citing constraints imposed by the wage bill ceiling. Gasperini said: "We started with very high-profile targets, but we came up against the need for a wage cap ceiling. But we have good variety." The coach acknowledged that Roma's initial ambitions for the market had to be adjusted, though he expressed satisfaction with the squad's composition despite the financial restrictions. The wage structure imposed limits on Roma's ability to pursue their original transfer targets this summer. Gasperini stressed the importance of adapting strategy while maintaining squad depth across multiple positions, suggesting that the final roster, though different from the pre-window plan, offered sufficient options for the 2026–27 campaign.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has acknowledged Roma's current squad limitations ahead of the Serie A opener against Fiorentina on 24 August. Speaking two days before the match and with ten days remaining in the summer transfer window, Gasperini said: "Numerically we are short, but we have two slots we can fill." The statement reflects Roma's ongoing recruitment push as the deadline approaches. The club faces Financial Fair Play constraints that have limited its transfer activity, forcing adjustments to targets. Despite these restrictions, Gasperini expressed satisfaction with the squad's progress and the adjustments made to the transfer strategy as the window enters its final phase.

Roma remain hampered by financial fair play rules as the summer transfer window enters its final stretch, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirming the club is still short of two key positions. Gasperini said: "Numerically we are short, because we have the possibility of presenting 23 players in the squad list. At least as UEFA allows, especially for the Champions League. We still have two slots available and there are still ten days left, we hope to complete everything. Whoever arrives is strongly wanted and wants strongly to come and play at Roma. Two players can be added. But only if we can reach them with the conditions we can have. If the market offers this it will be so, otherwise we stay as we are." The missing positions are a left-back—where Oosterwolde appears close to completion—and a left winger, with Chelsea blocking a move for Gittens. On the squad's overall competitiveness, Gasperini said: "In the team, in the starting eleven, there has been good consolidation. In the squad, however, we are trying to make it more competitive, with players who can give and will give added value. I believe the squad is more competitive." The coach also reassured supporters about potential departures, saying: "For Koné, beyond the rumours, in fact there have never been any negotiations or requests that were so important. If there are any other exits it is only for changes, to switch. At the moment there is nothing certain."