Roma pursue Fresneda as Çelik replacement, but Sporting demand €25m
Transfer News·28 July 2026·2h ago

Roma pursue Fresneda as Çelik replacement, but Sporting demand €25m

Source: Forza Roma

Roma are actively searching for a replacement on the right flank following Zeki Çelik's departure to Juventus on a free transfer. The leading target is Ivan Fresneda, the Spanish defender born in 2004 at Sporting CP. Director of sport D'Amico has identified Fresneda as a priority and is currently assessing the feasibility and costs of a deal. Sporting have set an initial valuation of €25 million, and while Roma are considering their options, the club may attempt a move in the coming days.

Gasperini is pushing to accelerate business in the transfer market ahead of the pre-season training camp in Wales. The coach has flagged that the current squad lacks depth across multiple positions and cannot rely solely on recent signing Castro to address all the gaps. Roma's recruitment team is working across multiple departments to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season.

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Roma are moving swiftly to replace Zeki Çelik following his free transfer to Juventus, with Spanish right-back Ivan Fresneda from Sporting CP emerging as their primary target. The 21-year-old, a Spain Under-21 international, aligns with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's technical requirements as a modern full-back capable of attacking down the wing while remaining defensively solid. Fresneda has accumulated significant European experience, including ten Champions League appearances last season. Director of Football Tony D'Amico has prioritized the deal as negotiations advance with Sporting Lisbon. However, the outlets differ on valuation: Forza Roma reports Sporting's initial demand at €25 million, while Roma News suggests the Portuguese club values him between €15 million and €18 million. Roma are working to negotiate favorable terms. Gasperini has emphasized the squad's depth issues across multiple positions ahead of pre-season training, with recent signing Castro insufficient to address all gaps.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

Oltre al reparto offensivo, la Roma è al lavoro sul mercato anche per rinforzare altri ruoli. Una delle priorità riguarda la fascia destra, dove serve un nuovo esterno dopo l’addio di Celik (passato alla Juventus a parametro zero). Sul taccuino di D’Amico ci sono diversi profili ma, secondo quanto…

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

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