Roma beat Newport 4–1 in Wales; Feyenoord raises Read price as D'Amico pivots to Molina

Malick Fofana is a 21-year-old Belgian winger being tracked by Roma whose career trajectory has been interrupted by serious injury but who possesses the technical and physical attributes to become one of Europe's elite talents. Born in Aalst on 31 March 2005 to a Guinean father and Filipino mother, Fofana moved to Olympique Lyon in January 2024 for €17 million plus €5 million in bonuses. In his first six months at the French club he made 21 appearances and scored 4 goals, contributing to Lyon's dramatic survival. The 2024–25 season marked his breakthrough: 41 appearances yielding 11 goals and 6 assists, which attracted attention from Chelsea and Liverpool, with his valuation reported at €60 million. However, a severe ankle sprain with accompanying lesions requiring surgery in October 2025 sidelined him for approximately five months and severely disrupted his campaign. He returned to action yesterday, playing 20 minutes in Lyon's 2–1 Champions League preliminary loss to Sparta Prague in the Czech Republic. Fofana's profile combines technical excellence with exceptional athleticism. He is naturally right-footed but has frequently operated as a left-sided winger for Belgium, capable of beating defenders, providing precise assists, and running the channels with the stamina more typical of a midfield player than a conventional full-back. Before joining Lyon, he developed at Gent, where his output was modest but his play-making and dribbling drew interest across Europe. Paulo Fonseca remarked of him: "I expect more from him, he needs to understand that this is his moment." Now, after a difficult season, Fofana seeks to prove he is not merely another promising young prospect destined to fade but rather one of European football's most pure talents.

Roma's pursuit of a right-back has hit difficulties on two fronts. Feyenoord rejected a 29.5 million euro offer for Givairo Read, which included 4.5 million in bonuses; the Dutch club demands a guaranteed 30 million without add-ons. Simultaneously, Atlético Madrid turned down Roma's opening bid for Nahuel Molina—a 17 million euro proposal structured as a loan with an obligation to buy (bonuses included). Atlético have signalled they require 20 million euros to part with the Argentine defender, arguing that if they must sacrifice the player, the fee must justify it. Molina, who spent a brief holiday in Rome with his family last November, has also requested wages Roma have not yet matched; he earns approximately 2.5 million euros annually in Spain and is seeking a significant increase. Sporting director Florian D'Amico is not prepared to exceed his current budget for Read. Signing Molina would save Roma 10–12 million euros in transfer fees compared to the Feyenoord option, with those savings potentially redirected toward the offensive winger position—specifically Antonio Nusa, though RB Leipzig continue to demand 60 million euros for the Norwegian.

Roma are pursuing Brazilian forward Endrick as Gian Piero Gasperini seeks to strengthen his squad further this summer. The club has been tracking the Real Madrid player for more than a month, with technical director D'Amico hoping to replicate the structure of the Nico Paz deal. The breakthrough came when Endrick, a 2006-born prospect, communicated to Real Madrid his desire to leave, according to transfer analyst Yagiz Sabuncuoglu. The player wants to feel like a protagonist and is seeking greater playing time after feeling he is not a priority at the Bernabéu. Gasperini has made it clear he requires at least four reinforcements beyond the two early signings Castro and Koulierakis, who have already integrated well into the squad and scored in today's match against Newport. Endrick's willingness to depart Real Madrid removes what has been the main obstacle to Roma's pursuit. The coach could be the ideal figure to develop the young forward, who is hungry for responsibility and regular opportunities. With Real Madrid's stance shifting, Roma are now positioned to accelerate their approach for the Brazilian.

Roma secured a 4–1 friendly victory over Newport County at Rodney Parade under Gian Piero Gasperini, with goals from Hermoso, Castro (penalty), Koulierakis and Soulé. The Welsh club, preparing for their EFL Cup first round against Wimbledon in a week, provided determined opposition, but Roma's control improved on their previous outing against Cardiff City. Hermoso opened the scoring in the 37th minute after a slick passing move, latching on to Castro's lay-off and firing past Wright. Castro then converted from the penalty spot in the 54th minute after Hermoso was brought down by Cameron, marking the Argentine's first goal in a Roma shirt. Koulierakis headed the third three minutes later from Dybala's assist—also his first for the club—before Soulé curled in the fourth from the edge of the box at the 80th minute. Donyell Malen remained at the club's base in Hensol with a fever, while Wesley returned from an ankle problem. A late goal from Cameron provided consolation. Roma's next fixture is a final pre-season test in Britain on Saturday at Brighton.

Roma defeated Newport 4–1 in a pre-season fixture against the League Two side, with standout performances from players operating in new roles. Mario Hermoso played as a central midfielder alongside Neil El Aynaoui, opening the scoring with a run from deep and earning the penalty that led to Roma's second goal. Castro converted that spot-kick and added a second later in the match, while Koulierakis also found the net as Roma sealed a comfortable victory. Gasperini deployed a familiar attacking shape with a number 10 and two forwards, pairing Paulo Dybala with Castro in the final third and Cristante behind them. The midfield experiment with Hermoso proved effective, offering Roma creative options from a deeper position. Once Roma established control, the side managed the encounter well to secure the win. The positive takeaway extends beyond the scoreline: the goals from Castro and Koulierakis provided encouraging early evidence of attacking depth as Roma continue their pre-season preparations.

Paulo Dybala sustained a knee injury during Roma's match against Newport after a challenge from Evans. The forward left the pitch requiring ice treatment on his knee. The incident occurred during what proved to be a dominant Roma performance. The match saw strong contributions from other squad members, with Hermoso delivering a notable display and Castro opening his account. Koulierakis marked his debut with a goal as Roma secured a commanding 4–1 victory. Dybala's injury adds to Roma's injury concerns as the squad prepares for the upcoming season. Hermoso outlined the team's readiness for the challenge ahead, stating: "I do what Gasp asks me to do. We are waiting for new reinforcements." Meanwhile, the transfer window remains active, with speculation surrounding potential additions to strengthen the squad.

Roma's attacking department has been decimated ahead of the 2026–27 season, with coach Gian Piero Gasperini now overseeing just five senior forwards for the role — down from ten options at the end of January. The remaining quartet consists of Donyell Malen, Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé, and Robinio Vaz, with young prospect Arena also available. The collapse mirrors Gasperini's repeated public calls for investment in attack. Speaking exactly a year ago on 4 August 2025 at the English national team's St. George Park facility in Burton Upon Trent, Gasperini outlined his philosophy: "It concerns all clubs that spend large sums on attackers. The offensive department is the most sought after and most expensive. Teams with strong attacking players are more competitive." That same summer, Roma pursued Fabio Silva and Jadon Sancho without success, settling on a loan move for Romain Bailey as a last-minute solution. By the end of 2025, Roma had assembled eight attacking options — Dybala, Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson, Bailey, Soulé, Baldanzi, Stephan El Shaarawy, and Lorenzo Pellegrini — to fill three positions in Gasperini's preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. The winter transfer window swelled that number to ten through the departures of Bailey and Baldanzi and the arrivals of Malen, Vaz, Bryan Zaragoza, and Lorenzo Venturino. However, only Malen performed consistently. With just twenty days until the league campaign begins, Roma faces a critical shortage. The club is reportedly making another approach for Nusa and preparing a move for Fofana to bolster the depleted ranks.

Royal Antwerp have submitted an official offer for Anass Salah-Eddine on a loan deal with a purchase option, according to reports. The 24-year-old left-back is not part of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's plans at Roma and has been excluded from the club's pre-season training camp in Wales. Roma's hierarchy has made clear that Salah-Eddine is set to leave, and discussions between the two clubs are ongoing while the Moroccan player considers his next destination. Roma have already begun reshaping their squad this summer, with the departure of Artem Dovbyk already concluded. Salah-Eddine does not fit Gasperini's tactical approach and is a priority for the club to move on. The player had previously rejected an approach from Olympiakos. Beyond Antwerp's interest, PSV Eindhoven and several other Eredivisie clubs are monitoring the situation and ready to step in should negotiations with the Belgian side stall.

Artem Dovbyk has departed AS Roma to join Bologna on a new challenge after a difficult season marked by injury and surgery. The Ukrainian striker said yes immediately when Bologna manager Domenico Tedesco asked if he wanted to play for the club. "They explained the project and the ambition of this club, which wants to achieve much more this season. I am here to give my best," Dovbyk said. Dovbyk, who arrived at Roma from Girona, has now moved on as the Giallorossi pursue other targets, including Castro. The 28-year-old striker told Bologna's official channels that he was convinced by sporting director and manager Tedesco. He praised the squad's unity and individual quality. "It is a very friendly group, it seems like a family. Everyone fights for each other and there are many players of great individual quality," he said. "I know this club has helped many strikers grow in the past and I want to try to give everything for this team, score and help it." On his personal goals, Dovbyk expressed his hunger to play and regain peak condition. "I have hunger and I want to play. I want to rediscover my ideal condition and help the collective. I know the history of Ukrainian players in Italy and I know I am the first to wear Bologna's shirt. I am honoured and I want to achieve great goals here," he said.

Roma secured a 4–1 friendly victory over Newport County at Rodney Parade under Gian Piero Gasperini, with goals from Hermoso, Castro (penalty), Koulierakis and Soulé. The Welsh club, preparing for their EFL Cup first round against Wimbledon in a week, provided determined opposition, but Roma's control improved on their previous outing against Cardiff City. Hermoso opened the scoring in the 37th minute after a slick passing move, latching on to Castro's lay-off and firing past Wright. Castro then converted from the penalty spot in the 54th minute after Hermoso was brought down by Cameron, marking the Argentine's first goal in a Roma shirt. Koulierakis headed the third three minutes later from Dybala's assist—also his first for the club—before Soulé curled in the fourth from the edge of the box at the 80th minute. Donyell Malen remained at the club's base in Hensol with a fever, while Wesley returned from an ankle problem. A late goal from Cameron provided consolation. Roma's next fixture is a final pre-season test in Britain on Saturday at Brighton.

Roma defeated Newport 4–1 in a pre-season fixture against the League Two side, with standout performances from players operating in new roles. Mario Hermoso played as a central midfielder alongside Neil El Aynaoui, opening the scoring with a run from deep and earning the penalty that led to Roma's second goal. Castro converted that spot-kick and added a second later in the match, while Koulierakis also found the net as Roma sealed a comfortable victory. Gasperini deployed a familiar attacking shape with a number 10 and two forwards, pairing Paulo Dybala with Castro in the final third and Cristante behind them. The midfield experiment with Hermoso proved effective, offering Roma creative options from a deeper position. Once Roma established control, the side managed the encounter well to secure the win. The positive takeaway extends beyond the scoreline: the goals from Castro and Koulierakis provided encouraging early evidence of attacking depth as Roma continue their pre-season preparations.

Roma recovered from their Cardiff defeat with a commanding 4–1 victory over Newport County in a pre-season friendly. Gian Piero Gasperini's side impressed throughout, with Mario Hermoso opening the scoring in the first half and new arrivals Santiago Castro and Koulierakis both netting their first goals in giallorosso colours. Matías Soulé added the fourth to complete the rout. CEO John Galantic and Ryan Friedkin attended the match at the stadium. Hermoso featured prominently, winning a penalty, scoring, and providing an assist. He praised the team's adaptation and mentality under Gasperini, emphasising the positive impact of the new signings and the squad's unity. On the transfer front, Roma's recruitment drive continues across multiple fronts. Salah‑Eddine rejected a move to Olympiacos despite an agreement between the clubs. The focus shifts to left-back targets, with ongoing dialogue with Torino over Alessio Cacciamani—Roma are considering raising their offer. A €17 million proposal has been submitted to Atlético Madrid for Nahuel Molina, with talks described as open but difficult. Separately, negotiations with Feyenoord over Read remain active; Roma have agreement with the player but not yet with the Dutch club, who await potential rival bids from Nottingham Forest.