Roma begin 2026–27 season at Trigoria as Ghilardi becomes first player through gates

Paulo Dybala has signed a contract extension with AS Roma through 2027, the club confirmed. The Argentine forward will earn approximately €2 million in base salary plus appearance bonuses under the new terms. Dybala arrived in the capital in summer 2022 and has established himself as a cornerstone of the Roma project both on and off the pitch. In his time at the club, he has made 139 appearances and scored 45 goals, becoming a leader within the squad and a favourite of the supporters. The renewal extends a partnership that has already proven central to Roma's ambitions. The contract extension represents continuity in Roma's attack as the club continues to build around its established talent.

Roma have secured Paulo Dybala to a contract extension through 30 June 2027 on an undisclosed fee with bonus earnings totalling approximately €2.5 million per season. The announcement came on the club's first day back at Trigoria following the winter break. Zeki Çelik's renewal is in the final stages, with his representatives and the club at the document-exchange phase and only his signature required to complete the deal. Lorenzo Pellegrini remains in active negotiation over his own renewal. The gap between the club's offer and his demand stands at approximately €500,000, though both sides are reportedly optimistic about reaching agreement. Pellegrini did not report to Gian Piero Gasperini's squad call as discussions continue. The flurry of contract extensions marks a significant period of retention for the Giallorossi, with multiple key squad members committing to the project. Pellegrini's case will be the final of the three renewals to be formally announced once terms are settled.

Manu Koné is likely to start on the bench when France face Spain in a World Cup semifinal tomorrow, despite an impressive display in the quarterfinal against Morocco. According to L'Équipe, France coach will recall Aurélien Tchouaméni, the Real Madrid midfielder, to reclaim his starting place alongside Adrien Rabiot in the middle of the park, pushing the Roma midfielder initially to the sidelines. The change reflects Tchouaméni's return from injury rather than a criticism of Koné's performances. Koné has been among France's standout players during the tournament, showcasing the qualities that have attracted interest from several European clubs in recent weeks. Despite the likely omission from the starting eleven, the Roma midfielder has delivered consistent positive signals and continues to prove his importance at the highest level. Roma view Koné as a key member of their squad and have no intention of allowing him to leave easily, even as transfer speculation swirls around the 24-year-old.

Roma players began arriving at the Fulvio Bernardini training centre this morning for the start of pre-season training. Daniele Ghilardi was the first to report, stopping to pose for photographs and sign autographs with supporters present at the facility, who encouraged him with calls of "Make sure it's the Champions League!" Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini also arrived at Trigoria to oversee the gathering. Other squad members to arrive included Niccolò Pisilli, who was surrounded by requests for photos and autographs, Matías Soulé, Gianluca Mancini, Pierluigi Gollini, Angeliño, and additional players throughout the morning session. The pre-season camp marks the beginning of preparations under Gasperini's management as Roma prepare for the upcoming campaign.

Roma is reportedly exploring a possible transfer axis with Bologna as the summer window accelerates. The Giallorossi have made contact regarding three players: Argentine striker Castro, Scottish midfielder Ferguson (Bologna's captain), and defender Ghilardi. Castro, who has also attracted interest from Nottingham Forest, is valued at approximately 40 million euros by Bologna. Ferguson, recently eliminated from the World Cup despite strong individual performances, has drawn attention from Rangers and Atalanta; Bologna is seeking at least 20 million euros plus bonuses for the midfielder. Head coach Gasperini's squad-building plans remain the priority for the Friedkin Group, with Greenwood continuing as the primary transfer target. Roma has informed Bologna that defender Kumbulla—returning from a loan spell at Majorca—is available for transfer, while Bologna has expressed interest in Ghilardi, particularly given the expected departure of Lucumì. The club views Freuler, available on a free transfer from 1 July, as below their level of priority. Details of any formal offers or agreements remain unclear. The 30 June deadline is slowing activity across the market but does not appear to concern Roma's ownership, who remain focused on delivering a competitive squad across all competitions.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has outlined his transfer strategy for Roma's defence, prioritizing continuity over upheaval. The club finished the season with the second-best defence in Serie A, conceding just 31 goals. Gasperini intends to keep the core three—Gianluca Mancini, Hermoso, and Ndicka—as the foundation for next season's Champions League campaign. No departures of starting defenders are planned; instead, Roma will pursue targeted additions to strengthen depth and competition. Among the profiles under consideration are Ostigard from Genoa and Disasi from Chelsea. Ostigard, a Norwegian defender known for aerial prowess and physical dominance, is valued at approximately 8 million euros and appeals to Gasperini's tactical preferences. Disasi represents a more costly option; Chelsea is seeking 25 million euros, but Roma are exploring a loan arrangement. Young centre-back Ghilardi, who developed significantly during the season, is expected to remain and potentially become a key rotation option for European fixtures. Ziolkowski, conversely, remains available for transfer as a potential source of profit. Gasperini has consistently emphasized a measured reconstruction: strategic investments without excessive spending, signing players suited to his football philosophy and ready to compete. The coach aims to avoid complacency following third-place finish while building from defensive stability—a proven foundation in Serie A title races. Roma's return to the Champions League after seven years places added emphasis on tactical preparation and depth.

Roma's pre-season training camp opened on Monday at Fulvio Bernardini, fifty days after securing third place and Champions League qualification under Gian Piero Gasperini. The opening phase sees only thirteen outfield players available, with several first-team regulars absent due to international commitments at the World Cup—including N'Dicka, Salah-Eddine, El Azzouzi, Malen, and Koné, who await a semifinal—while Celik and Pellegrini remain without new contracts. Gasperini has assembled four goalkeepers: Mile Svilar, Zelezny, Pierluigi Gollini, and Devis Vasquez, recently returned from loan. Players were required to report by 12:00 on Monday, though Gollini and Wesley arrived earlier. The day began with medical checks and fitness testing, followed by field work from 17:00 onwards. Gasperini's signature approach—high intensity, the ball immediately in play, and double daily sessions—begins immediately. Vice-president Ryan Friedkin is expected at the training ground for talks with Gasperini and sporting director Tony D'Amico to accelerate transfer plans and arrange friendly fixtures. Paulo Dybala's contract renewal is expected to be officially announced on Monday. Matías Soulé, the target of English clubs, faces intense speculation. Roma's first friendly is set for Thursday against Sorianese, followed by matches against Primavera and Roma City before the squad departs for a training camp in Galicia.

Roma began their pre-season on Tuesday, exactly fifty days after their victory in Verona, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini arriving at Trigoria. Only fourteen outfield players reported initially, with several absentees due to extended World Cup breaks or departures. Stephan El Shaarawy, Kostas Tsimikas, Evan Ferguson, Bryan Zaragoza, Zeki Çelik, Evan N'Dicka, Donyell Malen, Salah-Eddine, and Neil El Aynaoui were unavailable, while Manu Koné remained absent. Players were required to arrive at the training ground by noon for medical checks before their first session in the afternoon. Paulo Dybala is set to sign a one-year contract extension to begin his fifth season at Roma, with the announcement expected on Tuesday. Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract situation remains unresolved, with further discussions scheduled in the coming days. Wesley has recovered fully from an adductor muscle injury sustained before the World Cup. Daniele De Rossi's successor Gasperini arrived Monday morning and will oversee an intensive two-week training block at Trigoria before the squad relocates to Wales for the second phase of pre-season, departing 30 July and returning 18 August following a fixture against Brighton. Several players with uncertain futures, including Artem Dovbyk and Robinio Vaz, will use the coming weeks to impress Gasperini. Donyell Malen is expected to rejoin the squad around 22 July. Sporting director Tony D'Amico, representing the Friedkin Group ownership, attended to welcome the squad.

Roma are pursuing Diego Moreira, a 21-year-old Belgian winger from Strasbourg, as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini seeks to bolster the flanks. Strasbourg are demanding €40 million for the Liège-born player, while Roma have offered up to €35 million plus bonuses and a sell-on percentage. The club's new sporting director D'Amico previously attempted to sign Moreira for Atalanta last summer without success and is keen to complete the deal in the capital. Gasperini has approved the potential acquisition and views Moreira as a tactical fit alongside Wesley, the Brazilian winger already on Roma's roster. Both players can operate across either flank, though Moreira has demonstrated particular versatility this season, playing as an external midfielder in a 3-4-2-1 formation and as a left winger in a 4-2-3-1 setup. At Strasbourg, Moreira earns €800,000 annually and could treble his salary at Roma. The statistical profiles are strikingly similar: Moreira has completed 10.4 kilometres per match compared to Wesley's 9.8 kilometres, and both average 23 sprints per game. However, Moreira boasts a superior dribbling success rate of 42 per cent versus Wesley's 23 per cent, while Wesley edges him marginally in top speed (36.4 km/h to 34.7 km/h). This season Moreira has contributed 4 goals and 6 assists in Ligue 1, whilst Wesley has scored 5 Serie A goals without providing an assist.

Roma has firmly rejected Atlético Madrid's €40 million offer for midfielder Manu Koné, signalling that the Friedkin Group will only consider bids of €60 million or higher for the French international. The club adopted the same strategy previously used with Mile Svilar, refusing to negotiate on core squad members regardless of external pressure from the Premier League and La Liga. Manchester United and Liverpool are also monitoring Koné's situation. Matías Soulé is expected to leave the club to fund incoming transfers, with Roma's asking price set at €35 million. The Argentine winger has already attracted interest from Sunderland and Fulham, though he has expressed a preference for European competition and favours Sunderland, which is qualified for the Europa League. With Ryan Friedkin arriving in Rome, Roma's incoming activity will accelerate following the collapse of the Mason Greenwood pursuit after Fenerbahçe raised their offer beyond reach. Roma is targeting a dual operation involving the Chelsea-controlled BlueCo consortium. The club hopes to sign Diego Moreira from Strasbourg, valued at approximately €50 million, with an opening bid of €30 million. Simultaneously, Roma is seeking to bring Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea on a season-long loan with a purchase option. Garnacho has fully committed to the move, attracted by the prospect of partnering with Paulo Dybala in attack. An official announcement of Dybala's contract renewal is expected.

Roma's pre-season training camp opened on Monday at Fulvio Bernardini, fifty days after securing third place and Champions League qualification under Gian Piero Gasperini. The opening phase sees only thirteen outfield players available, with several first-team regulars absent due to international commitments at the World Cup—including N'Dicka, Salah-Eddine, El Azzouzi, Malen, and Koné, who await a semifinal—while Celik and Pellegrini remain without new contracts. Gasperini has assembled four goalkeepers: Mile Svilar, Zelezny, Pierluigi Gollini, and Devis Vasquez, recently returned from loan. Players were required to report by 12:00 on Monday, though Gollini and Wesley arrived earlier. The day began with medical checks and fitness testing, followed by field work from 17:00 onwards. Gasperini's signature approach—high intensity, the ball immediately in play, and double daily sessions—begins immediately. Vice-president Ryan Friedkin is expected at the training ground for talks with Gasperini and sporting director Tony D'Amico to accelerate transfer plans and arrange friendly fixtures. Paulo Dybala's contract renewal is expected to be officially announced on Monday. Matías Soulé, the target of English clubs, faces intense speculation. Roma's first friendly is set for Thursday against Sorianese, followed by matches against Primavera and Roma City before the squad departs for a training camp in Galicia.

Mile Svilar has spent his break from Roma's summer holiday undertaking an intensive gym-based training programme ahead of the club's official return to work. The goalkeeper, considered a cornerstone of the Giallorossi squad by management, is determined to arrive at pre-season in peak physical condition for the campaign ahead. Roma's squad will report to Trigoria on Monday 13 July, when they will formally begin the new season under the direction of Gian Piero Gasperini. Svilar has worked closely with Belgian strength and conditioning coach Jeroen Beeusaert during the summer break to maintain his fitness levels. After one particularly taxing training session, Beeusaert posted a photograph of the goalkeeper on social media with the message: "Ok, now go back to Rome." The light-hearted post reflects Svilar's dedication as he prepares to defend the goal for Roma in what promises to be a demanding season, including high-profile European competition in the Champions League.