Roma and Porto in tense negotiations over Mora's move

Roma have completed the signing of Molina from Atlético Madrid. The Argentine defender has already given his first interview as a Roma player as the club continues its summer transfer activity. Roma's transfer window has entered a critical phase as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini prepares his squad for the 2026–27 season, with a return to the Champions League the stated objective. The Friedkin Group are working to assemble a competitive roster to support the Italian coach's ambitions for the campaign ahead. Molina's arrival adds depth to Roma's defensive options as the club balances its squad requirements heading into the new season.

Nahuel Molina has joined Roma and presented himself to the club's official channels, expressing his excitement at the move. "From the first moment they made me feel at home and I am very happy," Molina said. "I think it is a very great club, with really passionate fans. The squad is strong and in recent years has done great things." He will wear number 20, explaining: "It is a new beginning. I liked the number 20 and it was free." On his versatility, Molina added: "I feel comfortable playing further forward or starting from a more withdrawn position. It will depend on the manager." Meanwhile, Roma's pursuit of Porto winger Rodrigo Mora has hit complications. Roma believed it had closed the deal after its latest official offer, with agreement reached on most aspects, but Porto president André Villas-Boas has requested modifications to the terms after reviewing details brought by Jorge Mendes, particularly regarding the final figure of the mandatory buyout clause. Clubs remain in contact to overcome the remaining obstacle. Roma's move for Inter's Luis Henrique has stalled entirely. While Inter are willing to let him leave, the Brazilian has not given his approval. Economic distance and doubts about the Roma project weigh on his decision, and without him reducing his demands, the operation remains frozen.

Nahuel Molina has officially joined AS Roma on a contract until 2030, leaving Atlético Madrid after four years in Spain. The Argentine defender announced his departure via social media, prompting a response from fellow defender Udogie, who commented: "Part 2". The two previously played together at Udinese, and Roma are pursuing Udogie as a target to strengthen their defensive and midfield wide options. Roma have opened contact with Tottenham over a potential deal for Udogie, with the English club continuing to demand €30 million. Udogie has reportedly agreed in principle to join Roma, though negotiations with Spurs have not yet yielded an agreement. The club's objective is to reunite the former Udinese pair in a bid to bolster their wing-back contingent. Roma supporters responded enthusiastically to Udogie's comment, calling for his move to the capital.

Paulo Dybala marked the fifteenth anniversary of his professional debut with a social media post celebrating his first match for Instituto de Córdoba. The Roma forward shared a video that showed him wearing the number nine shirt and giving an interview after the game as a teenager. He described the occasion as "an unforgettable day". Dybala scored seventeen goals in thirty-eight matches for the Argentine club before his move to Italy in 2012, when he joined Palermo. He has since become a mainstay of the Serie A, including his spell at Roma, where his contract runs until 2027. The post underlines his connection to Italian football across his career at both Juventus and Roma.

Nahuel Molina has completed his transfer to Roma and was formally presented to the club on 12 August 2026. The World Cup-winning full-back spoke to the media following his arrival, explaining his decision to join. "I chose Roma because I think it's a great team, with very warm supporters. It's a strong squad that is performing well," Molina said. "The reception has been beautiful, and I want to repay all of this. I will always give my maximum, which is what I have always done in my career. To leave everything on the pitch for the team and do my best." Molina will wear number 20 at the Giallorossi, a fresh choice for his career. The Argentine defender said he felt welcomed immediately upon arrival, having spoken with teammates including Paulo Dybala and another player. He confirmed his flexibility in defensive shape, having played in both a back three and higher up the pitch: "I have played in both positions, I feel comfortable both higher or lower. It also changes during the match, depending on the manager's choice and also on the opponents." Molina expressed enthusiasm about playing in Serie A again and competing in the Champions League with Roma. On settling in the city with his family, he reflected: "I have spoken a lot with my wife, we really liked the city. For my little girl there is no better place to grow up." He also praised the supporter culture, saying he expected the Stadio Olimpico to be special, and thanked the fans for their reception.

Rodrigo Mora appears tailor-made for Gasperini's tactics on the basis of his technical qualities and playing style. The 19-year-old Portuguese prospect is a low centre-of-gravity player with explosive one-on-one ability and creativity between the lines, capable of creating numerical advantage and opening dangerous passing lanes in the final third. Last season, despite an overall period that fell short of expectations, Mora produced impressive statistical output. According to WhoScored, among players with over 1,000 minutes, he ranked joint-first in successful dribbles per 90 minutes (1.7, level with William Gomes), first in key passes per 90 (2.7), and fourth in shots attempted per match (2.8). His long-range shooting ability is another strength, a quality Roma have struggled to find in their squad in recent years. This will be Mora's first experience outside Portugal, and a physiological adjustment period is expected before seeing the full extent of his capabilities. Asking for an immediate impact from one of Europe's most interesting young talents in his first time away from home and under one of football's most tactically and athletically demanding coaches risks diminishing the value of an important investment.