Roma close to signing Koulierakis as Hermoso's deputy

Santiago Castro will wear the number 9 shirt at Roma, with exclusive imagery confirming the personalisation of his kit as "S. CASTRO" on the back. The Argentine striker selected the number for his first season in giallorossi colours, and the shirt design has already been finalised ahead of the official announcement of his transfer. The kit personalisation represents further confirmation of the forward's arrival as Roma work through final bureaucratic steps to complete the deal. With the shirt design confirmed and ready for release, supporters will be able to purchase the number 9 Castro jersey once the club makes the move official. The commercial side of the transfer is already in motion, ensuring that replica kits bearing Castro's name and number will be available for fans to buy immediately following the formal confirmation from Roma.

Angeliño is close to leaving Roma on a free loan to Deportivo la Coruña, with the Spanish club holding a €2 million purchase option. According to Matteo Moretto, only minor details remain to be finalised before the left-back departs for his home country. Angeliño failed to convince head coach Gian Piero Gasperini during pre-season and exits after a season of mixed fortunes. The 2024–25 campaign proved inconsistent for the Spanish defender, and his departure marks another outgoing alongside fellow squad member Salah-Eddine. Roma are now exploring replacements for Angeliño's deputy role on the left flank, with Torino's Alessio Cacciamani on the club's radar. The 2007-born prospect spent last season on loan at Juve Stabia, and Torino are seeking over €5 million for his services.

Roma have intensified their search for attacking reinforcements and a wing-back following Zeki Çelik's departure, with Ivan Fresneda of Sporting CP and Real Betis forward Abde Ezzalzouli emerging as primary targets. The club has held three recent talks with Fresneda and his representatives; the Portuguese defender is valued at around €17–18 million plus substantial bonuses. Fresneda joined Sporting from Real Valladolid for €9 million in 2023 and has made 81 appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 3 assists. Ezzalzouli carries a similarly high price tag. The Real Betis attacker has scored 29 goals and laid on 18 assists in 128 games, while earning 37 caps for Morocco. Roma have also explored options lower down the valuation chain. They tabled a €2.5 million bid for Club America's Israel Reyes on the wing, but the Mexican side demanded €7 million—Reyes has featured 146 times for his current club over five seasons. The Giallorossi remain in complex negotiations over Antonio Nusa but have not abandoned the pursuit. While Santiago Castro's arrival has bolstered the attacking department, Roma's need for multiple wing-backs after Çelik's exit may limit their ability to invest heavily in a second premium signing, though Wesley and Devyne Rensch offer tactical flexibility.

Roma are close to signing Konstantinos Koulierakis from Wolfsburg for a fee reportedly near €15 million. The Greek centre-back, born in 2003 and left-footed, will serve as a backup to Mario Hermoso, fulfilling a request Gasperini made at the start of the summer. Koulierakis spent last season at Wolfsburg after joining from PAOK, where he won the Greek championship in 2024—the club's fourth in history. He came through PAOK's youth academy and made his senior debut early in his career. Standing nearly 1.90 metres tall, he has played almost exclusively in a four-man defence throughout his career but will adapt to Gasperini's system and provide cover when Hermoso needs rest. Vasilis Torosidis, a former Roma defender and fellow Greek, praised the imminent signing: "He is a very strong defender, left-footed and good at moving the ball. Good at anticipation and aerials. He is an aggressive and rocky player thanks to his build and is among the best talents in Greek football. Roma will make a great purchase."

Roma began their 2026–27 pre-season with a goalless draw against Cannes at Stadio Pierre de Coubertin, with kickoff at 17:30. The match marked Gian Piero Gasperini's first outing in charge and the debut of Roma's new home kit for the season. Cannes, also owned by the Friedkin Group, provided the opposition as Roma continue their build-up without all their summer signings and with some players still returning from holiday. Donyell Malen came closest to breaking the deadlock when a cross from Paulo Dybala found him in the box, but his attempted heel flick sailed wide. Later in the first half, Malen was played through on goal and attempted a lob after evading defenders with a dribble, but the effort was deflected wide. Gianluca Mancini made a crucial defensive intervention in the 25th minute, earning applause from the travelling support after an initial knock but continuing the match. Gasperini fielded a 3–4–2–1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal and a defence of Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso. Bryan Cristante anchored the midfield alongside new recruit Bah, with Devyne Rensch and Wesley operating as wing-backs. The attacking trio of Dybala, Matías Soulé, and Malen provided the creative spark throughout the first 45 minutes.

Roma face Cannes in a pre-season friendly at the Stade Pierre-de-Coubertin, with kick-off at 17:30. The match represents the club's third summer test following earlier fixtures against Roma's Primavera and Trastevere during their pre-season camp. Gasperini names Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen in attack, deployed in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Mile Svilar starts in goal behind a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. The midfield features Devyne Rensch and Wesley at full-back, with Bryan Cristante and a player listed as Bah in central midfield. The fixture will be broadcast live on DAZN, accessible via smartphone, PC or tablet through the app or the official website. Roma's pre-season schedule continues as Gasperini prepares the squad ahead of the new campaign.