Porto demands stronger guarantees on Mora buy obligation as Roma talks stall

Roma continue their recruitment efforts ahead of the Serie A season, which kicks off in less than a week. The club remains in the market for a left-sided winger and at least two strikers. Mora, the Porto target, remains under negotiation with no significant developments in recent hours, though the pursuit remains active. Luis Henrique has also attracted Roma's interest, with a valuation of €30 million, and seemed close to completion days ago—but that is no longer the case. Market expert Alfredo Pedullà clarified the situation on his YouTube channel, stating: "Luis Henrique is not a priority. D'Amico, at the moment, has other necessities. There have been evaluations, but the intention is to invest the money in other roles." The message is unambiguous: Roma intends to deploy resources elsewhere. For the left flank, Udogie—the Tottenham defender—is the profile most favoured by the club. While negotiations remain to be constructed, the direction appears set.

Emanuele Lulli, the 18-year-old right-back, delivered a positive display for Roma in their final pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Stadium yesterday, starting and playing 76 minutes. Gasperini has regularly deployed the class of 2007 prospect in recent weeks, with Lulli appearing in progressive minutes across warm-up fixtures: 18 minutes against Cardiff, 20 against Newport, 12 against Brighton, and the full 76-minute outing against Dortmund. The teenager, who turns 19 tomorrow, demonstrated both defensive cover and attacking thrust—precisely what Gasperini demands from his fullbacks. Roma's recruitment focus remains on the offensive flank, though director D'Amico continues work on the fullback contingent. With Tsimikas, Çelik and Angeliño departed, the squad has lacked reinforcement on the wings; only Wesley and Devyne Rensch remain from last season, with Molina arriving yesterday on his Roma debut. Lulli's composed display offers genuine hope of a permanent pathway into first-team contention under Gasperini. Lulli recorded three defensive contributions, two interceptions and three recoveries in addition to one clearance across his 76 minutes, also winning one ground duel and one aerial duel. He registered 88% pass accuracy in the opposition half (7/8) and 82% in his own half (9/11), with 2 of 3 long passes reaching their target. His ball-carrying statistics stand out: 54.9 metres gained (compared to 23.3 for Rensch), including 37.4 metres towards the opposition goal (21.3 for Rensch). Roma continue pressing on Udogie, while moves for Cacciamani and Luis Henrique face complications.

Lucas Gourna-Douath has joined newly promoted Hull City in the Premier League for £2.9 million guaranteed plus add-ons and 10 per cent of any future sale. The 23-year-old French midfielder departed Roma after the club declined to exercise a €19.5 million purchase option at the end of the 2025–26 season, having signed on loan with a right to buy from Salzburg on 3 February 2025. Gourna-Douath found limited playing time during his spell in the colours and was sent out on loan to Ligue 1 side Le Havre in January. The transfer marks the end of a brief Roma chapter for the 2003-born midfielder, who arrived with potential but was unable to establish himself in Serie A. His departure had already been decided when the club chose not to convert the loan into a permanent deal at the close of last season. Gourna-Douath expressed enthusiasm for his new challenge, saying: "I had the opportunity to play in the Champions League, in Serie A and in Ligue 1. I learned a lot and I am really happy to be able to use this experience in the Premier League. The Premier League is the dream of all footballers. Now I have this opportunity, so I cannot wait to take to the pitch."