Roma close in on Rodrigo Mora deal as Friedkins push through fresh offer

Rodrigo Mora, a 2007-born Portuguese talent, has built his reputation at Porto primarily as a central attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where he has played 52 of his 80 official matches for the club. Since his senior debut against Bodø/Glimt in September 2024—a 21-minute cameo off the bench—he has emerged as a versatile attacker capable of playing multiple roles. Gasperini and Roma are monitoring the playmaker as a potential solution for the left-sided attacking role, ideally positioned in support of Malen and alongside either Dybala or Soulé. While Mora's best work has come in the number 10 position, he has also accumulated experience on the wing, with 13 appearances as a winger—5 on the right and 8 on the left—during which he has scored 6 goals. He has additionally featured 5 times as a midfielder with 2 goals and 6 times as a second striker with 1 goal. Mora's profile extends beyond tactical flexibility. Made his competitive debut at 15 for Porto's B team, he is described as slight in build but technically gifted, capable of moments of rare footballing beauty regularly highlighted across social media. Though naturally suited to the playmaker's role, his work ethic and adaptability suggest he will not resist a different assignment if required. Gasperini has already signalled his preference. The coming weeks will clarify the Portuguese gem's next move.

AS Roma and Porto have moved significantly closer to completing the transfer of Rodrigo Mora, with the Friedkin Group adjusting their offer to meet Porto president Villas Boas's demands. After days of protracted negotiations and tension between the clubs, a deal structure has emerged: Roma will pay €25 million for a permanent transfer plus 50% of any future resale fee, with an option to cancel the resale clause in 2027 by paying an additional €20 million. Agent Jorge Mendes played a key role in rebuilding the relationship between the two parties after earlier friction. Mora's desire to join Roma has never wavered, and he will now be accommodated. The player will sign a contract running until 2031 with a salary structure starting at €1.8 million and rising slightly above €2 million. The deal represents a significant move by the Friedkin Group to break the deadlock, signalling their commitment to strengthening the squad ahead of the new season. With Mora's arrival imminent, Roma's transfer strategy will shift focus to the wings. Head coach Gasperini is seeking reinforcement on the flanks, particularly on the left side, despite young prospect Lulli impressing in pre-season friendlies. Three names are under consideration: Cacciamani, Udogie, and Luis Henrique. The Brazilian winger, who can operate on either flank, has signalled openness to a move to Rome, with a final decision expected in the coming days.

Roma have renewed their pursuit of Rodrigo Mora and significantly improved their offer after two days of negotiations, with the Portuguese club poised to receive €25 million upfront plus a 50% sell-on clause on any future transfer. Director D'Amico and head coach Gasperini are pressing to fill a vacancy at left-winger, a position Roma have lacked for more than a year. Mora remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes in Rio Ave's match yesterday evening and is now within touching distance of joining the club. The latest contacts between Roma and Rio Ave have been positive, according to Fabrizio Romano. Roma's transfer activity continues through the August recess, underlining the urgency placed on securing a wide player. The structure of the deal—€25 million immediate payment with half of any future sale retained by Rio Ave—reflects the clubs' progress towards an agreement after the recent stalemate.