Roma continue pursuit of Endrick as Mora deal stalls over Galatasaray competition

Leonardo Balerdi has made an immediate impression at Roma following his move from Olympique Marseille this summer. Speaking from his national team camp, the defender praised his reception: "At Roma I was welcomed very well. The challenge with Lautaro? I already knew him, so I knew it would be very complicated. And indeed it was, but it was a good match." Bareldi has already won over head coach Gasperini, appearing as a starter in two matches and contributing further appearances off the bench. He finished the fixture against Inter cramping in his calf, prompting a precautionary approach to manage the injury. Though still working toward full match fitness, his appearances for his national team are expected to aid his physical development. The defender has two further opportunities to establish himself before Como, with no serious calf concerns reported.

Roma came close to signing Genoa defender Johan Vasquez over the summer but the transfer fell through after a change in the club's sporting director role. Ricky Massara, who was pushing the deal forward, left the club in June and was replaced by Tony D'Amico, who had worked extensively with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta. The shift in leadership altered Roma's transfer priorities entirely, with Massara's successor abandoning the pursuit of Vasquez and other targets the outgoing director had been tracking. Massara had been actively pursuing Vasquez, the Genoa captain and leader under former Roma manager Daniele De Rossi. Roma made concrete moves towards the Mexican defender and came closest to securing him among all interested clubs, despite competition from across Europe. However, Massara's exit and D'Amico's arrival ended all negotiations. The same sequence played out with other Massara targets: Kerim Alajbegovic, who subsequently joined him at Juventus, and Franck Kessie, whom Massara negotiated for on behalf of the Bianconeri. Vasquez ultimately remained at Genoa. Other clubs that had inquired about the defender included Eintracht Frankfurt, Besiktas, and Atlético Madrid, with interest also arriving from Germany, Turkey and Spain. The shift in Roma's hierarchy removed the club from consideration just as they had positioned themselves as the frontrunners for his signature.

Roma's summer transfer window proved lengthy and difficult as Gasperini pursued reinforcements sought by the head coach, with many negotiations faltering over financial disagreements with other clubs. Givairo Read of Feyenoord was among the wingers Roma worked on for several days, but no agreement was reached and the Dutch player remained in the Netherlands. However, his future at Feyenoord beyond the current season is uncertain, as multiple elite English clubs have now turned their attention to him. According to teamtalk.com, Liverpool are leading the chase for Read and have been monitoring him for some time, but Arsenal and Manchester City are also watching closely. The interest from English top-flight sides has been fuelled by Read's strong start to the season in the Eredivisie, where he has recorded five assists in seven matches. Liverpool in particular have been impressed by his performances and could see him as a solution to a need on the right flank. Roma's pursuit fell away after requesting a fee of over €30 million just weeks ago, a figure that is now likely to rise further. A concrete move for Read could arrive as soon as January, when the player's valuation will have climbed even higher given his continued progress.

Roma have made a strong start to the 2026-27 season with 13 points from five matches, matching Inter and Lazio at the top of Serie A but ahead on goal difference. A second-half goal by Lautaro in a direct clash with Inter prevented a perfect record, but the squad's overall level remains high. The arrival of summer players has been central to the club's early form. Nahuel Molina is still building fitness but establishing himself in the team, while Rodrigo Mora has made an immediate impact with a goal already on his account. Leonardo Balerdi has already won over the supporters and claimed a starting berth, and Konstantinos Koulierakis, Marten de Roon and Santiago Castro are all expected to become important resources as the fixture list intensifies through October and November, though some have yet to feature heavily. The squad recruitment was balanced by significant outgoings managed by director Tony D'Amico, which allowed Roma to fund their incomings. With the first international break now reached, a review of Roma's players still on loan across Europe becomes timely. Neil El Aynaoui and other loan-out players carry combined recall obligations of €95 million, making their performances and development over the coming months a matter of considerable financial consequence for the club.

Roma are monitoring Frosinone winger Giorgi Kvernadze as the club plans ahead for the January transfer window. The Georgian prospect, born in 2003, has caught the attention of Roma's scouts after a strong start to the season, recording 5 goals and 2 assists across Serie A and Coppa Italia in recent matches tracked by the Giallorossi. Napoli are also monitoring the situation. Roma have made an excellent start to the 2026–27 campaign with 13 points from 15 available, sharing first place with Inter and Lazio. The squad has successfully integrated the ideas of head coach Giampiero Gasperini, including the summer arrivals Balerdi, Molina, Mora, Koulierakis and De Roon. However, sporting director Tony D'Amico recognises gaps remain in the squad, particularly the need for a left-winger with a right foot—a profile the club has now begun pursuing ahead of the winter window. According to reports from Nicolò Schira and confirmed by Il Tempo, Kvernadze has emerged as a target. The winger represents a Serie A talent who has impressed in the early weeks of the season, making him an option within the domestic market.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is closing in on a competitive return after a lengthy absence. The midfielder, who has not featured in any match for Roma this season, last played in April against Pisa. Gasperini's coaching staff has designed targeted tests during the international break to rebuild his match fitness and rhythm as Pellegrini gradually increases his training workload. Pellegrini's comeback will give Gasperini an added resource in the attacking midfield area, a department so far built around Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora. The 29-year-old is determined to repay the manager's faith and prove himself on the pitch. Beyond the immediate Roma picture, Pellegrini harbours a second objective: returning to the Italian national team and reclaiming his place under Roberto Mancini after two years away. According to Corriere della Sera, Pellegrini has been sidelined for roughly six months and remains the only outfield player in Roma's squad yet to debut in the 2026–27 campaign. His push for match sharpness and a return to previous form represents a significant boost to Gasperini's squad depth as the season progresses.