Roma market activity: Milan linked with Soulé, Koulierakis to join later, exit sales needed

Greek centre-back Konstantinos Koulierakis is poised to become AS Roma's second reinforcement for the 2026–27 season. The 22-year-old defender, born in La Canea on Crete, has established himself as a cornerstone of Wolfsburg's defence in the Bundesliga after the club paid approximately €12 million to secure him from PAOK Thessaloniki in summer 2024. He made his PAOK senior debut on 20 August 2022 and earned his Greece international cap within three months. Koulierakis stands 1.88 metres tall and weighs around 78 kg, combining physical presence with explosive pace over short distances—a crucial asset for modern defending. Despite five managerial changes across two seasons at Wolfsburg, he has become a mainstay in their backline, demonstrating strong leadership qualities. His left foot is a standout technical asset; he is capable of constructing play from the back with both short passes and long distribution, reminiscent of a midfielder's range. He has performed as a left-side centre-back in three-defender setups and as a left-centre defender in four-man defences. Koulierakis excels in the air both defensively and offensively. In his debut Bundesliga campaign he recorded no goals, but last season he netted four headers—a tally matched only by Gianluca Mancini among defenders in Europe's top five leagues, where only Virgil van Dijk surpassed him with five. Koulierakis will turn 23 on 28 November.

Gian Piero Gasperini will hold a crucial transfer meeting with Roma sporting director D'Amico and owner Ryan Friedkin today before the team's departure for Wales. The summit will focus on finalising the club's market strategy for the remainder of the season as Gasperini, the club's new head coach, continues to push for reinforcements to mount a Champions League challenge. Left-wing remains Roma's priority, with RB Leipzig's Nusa staying at the top of the target list. Gasperini will have the opportunity to reiterate this directly to the board. The departures of Angeliño and Çelik have left gaps in the full-back department that require urgent attention. Read is being considered as a hot prospect to address those needs, with Roma having already tabled an offer to Feyenoord. The Dutch club's approval is now required for any deal to progress. Gasperini has already secured initial signings including Castro and Koulierakis, but the technical staff believes further investment is essential for a competitive campaign. All parties are emphasising the need to row in the same direction as Roma builds its new project under the new coaching regime.

Roma have failed to land Celtic midfielder Engels after the Belgian international opted to join West Ham instead. The club's sporting director D'Amico had identified Engels, who serves as captain and penalty-taker for the Glasgow side, as a potential target to strengthen the midfield. However, the 25-year-old has chosen a move to England, drawn by the appeal of the Premier League despite West Ham's recent Championship relegation. Midfield reinforcement is not currently Roma's primary focus, with the club concentrating resources on other areas of the squad. Engels represented one of several profiles being monitored to add depth to the centre of the park, but the pursuit has now ended with his decision to move to the London club. West Ham will compete in the Championship next season following their top-flight relegation.