Roma pursues Luis Henrique as left-back deputy; Gasperini eyes Rafa Leão

Rodrigo Mora reported for duty at Roma's training ground immediately after his move was made official, wasting no time in joining Gasperini's squad for his first session with the group. The Portuguese player, born 2007, has already begun familiarising himself with his teammates and the club's setup. On his official unveiling, Mora told the club's channels: "First of all, I would like to thank Roma and Porto. I am very happy to be here. I thank the fans for the support I received at the airport. Now I am very pleased and hope to have a great season. As everyone knows, it was a difficult negotiation that lasted quite a long time. To be honest, I could not wait to arrive here. I always had faith even when it seemed things were not going so well." Roma completed the deal on a permanent transfer basis of the player's registration rights and 50 per cent of his economic rights for a total of 27 million euros — comprising 25 million euros in fixed fees plus 2 million euros in performance-related bonuses. Although Porto's official statement referenced the shared economic rights structure, Mora is entirely Roma's player; joint ownership no longer exists under Italian football regulations.

Manchester City have moved into contention for Manu Koné after Manchester United withdrew from the race and turned their attention to Brighton's Baleba. According to the Daily Mail, Enzo Fernández and Lille's Bouaddi targets did not advance, prompting City manager Maresca to accelerate the search for a midfield reinforcement following Rodri's injury. Roma are holding firm on a valuation of approximately €55 million for the French midfielder. However, with fewer than two weeks remaining in the transfer window, a departure appears unlikely given the club's position and the limited time to find an adequate replacement. The ongoing uncertainty over Koné's future underscores the complexity of late-window dealings, with City's urgency to bolster their ranks competing against Roma's unwillingness to sell at a discount or rush into a premature exit.

Roma continue to monitor Alessio Cacciamani, and a development at Turin may accelerate their pursuit. Torino confirmed an agreement with Fiorentina to sign Niccolò Fortini on loan with a right of redemption. Since Fortini plays the same position as Roma's target, the path to Cacciamani could warm in the coming hours. Torino's Cairo rejected Roma's opening bid of €10 million plus €2 million in bonuses; the club values Cacciamani at approximately €20 million, though Roma hope to negotiate a lower fee. Meanwhile, the search for alternative targets continues. Udogie remains on standby as Roma's transfer operation winds down. Sporting director D'Amico is hunting for a deputy to Wesley to deliver to head coach Gasperini before the window closes. Luis Henrique appears out of reach; no agreement has been reached either with Inter or the player himself.

Roma continue to monitor Alessio Cacciamani, and a development at Turin may accelerate their pursuit. Torino confirmed an agreement with Fiorentina to sign Niccolò Fortini on loan with a right of redemption. Since Fortini plays the same position as Roma's target, the path to Cacciamani could warm in the coming hours. Torino's Cairo rejected Roma's opening bid of €10 million plus €2 million in bonuses; the club values Cacciamani at approximately €20 million, though Roma hope to negotiate a lower fee. Meanwhile, the search for alternative targets continues. Udogie remains on standby as Roma's transfer operation winds down. Sporting director D'Amico is hunting for a deputy to Wesley to deliver to head coach Gasperini before the window closes. Luis Henrique appears out of reach; no agreement has been reached either with Inter or the player himself.

Rodrigo Mora began his AS Roma adventure on Tuesday morning at the Centro Sportivo Fulvio Bernardini, joining the squad for his first training session under Gian Piero Gasperini. The Portuguese talent took the field alongside Wesley and met his new Giallorossi teammates, greeting the club's social media followers with a simple message: "Buongiorno!". Mora's arrival adds depth to Roma's attacking options as the squad prepares for the 2026-27 campaign. He integrated immediately into Gasperini's squad at the training ground, suggesting a swift induction into the coach's tactical setup and daily routines.

Rodrigo Mora reported for his first day at Roma on 19 August, hours after the club confirmed his arrival. The Portuguese midfielder born in 2007 went straight to Trigoria and joined the squad for training under Gian Piero Gasperini. He quickly settled into his new surroundings, visibly smiling in footage released by Roma as he spoke and joked with fellow player Wesley—the shared Portuguese language helping them connect naturally. A standout moment came when Mora greeted staff with a perfect "Buongiorno" in Italian, signalling his eagerness to integrate immediately into his new environment. Mora is unlikely to feature from the start in Roma's next fixture against Fiorentina on Monday, but Gasperini is expected to give him minutes off the bench to build his familiarity with the Stadio Olimpico and demonstrate his abilities. The club and supporters are anticipating what the new arrival will bring to the squad.

Roma have closed the signing of Rodrigo Mora and are now concentrating on completing their flanks and attack, with Luis Henrique of Inter their leading target and an exit in the squad required to push through for Malick Fofana. Roma are working to find Wesley's ideal deputy for Gasperini, with Luis Henrique emerging as the favourite candidate. The two clubs have already drafted an agreement worth approximately €30 million including bonuses, structured as a loan with an obligation to buy. Remaining details on the Brazilian's wages need to be finalized, though he is keen on joining Roma. Separately, Roma are pushing hard for Fofana of Lyon to strengthen their attack. The deal is feasible but depends on the departure of at least one of Matías Soulé or Manu Koné. Lyon, who hold Fofana's registration, are waiting for the outcome of their Champions League preliminaries on 26 August before opening to a sale. Rafa Leao remains a tempting option in the background, favoured by Gasperini but complicated by cost. In outgoings, Venezia, Bologna and Fiorentina are tracking Robinio Vaz closely, though Roma will not let him leave on a simple loan. Salah‑Eddine is also departing, with Roma evaluating the best options for his exit.

Roma's investment in Rodrigo Mora has sparked debate over the club's willingness to spend heavily on young players. The Portuguese teenager was secured for €25 million plus 50% of any future sale to Porto, or Roma can pay an additional €25 million to own him outright—valuing the deal at €50 million total for a player born in 2007. The gamble reflects a long-standing pattern: the club has repeatedly invested significant sums in teenage and young adult talent, with mixed results. Mora joins a lineage of young signings stretching back decades. Antonio Cassano arrived in 2001–02 as an 18-year-old from Bari for €31 million (in today's money)—equivalent to €100 million for a teenager now. Erik Lamela joined in 2011–12 at 19 years old from River Plate for nearly €20 million. More recently, Matías Soulé cost almost €30 million as a 21-year-old from Juventus, while Wesley was acquired last summer at 21 for approximately €25 million from Brazil. In the current window, Castro was signed at 21 for €36 million, and the club attempted a €25 million deal for Robinio Vaz months earlier. Other young signings—Gerson, Kluivert (both 19, around €20 million each), and Patrik Schick at 22 (Roma's costliest ever)—proved less fortunate. The underlying strategy remains consistent: Roma looks to the future, with success varying considerably. The hope now is that Mora will be remembered as one of the club's successful youth investments.

Rodrigo Mora has completed his transfer to Roma after landing at Ciampino airport on 18 August, with the Portuguese forward signing his contract after midnight. Mora, who arrived alongside agent Jorge Mendes, will undergo medical examinations on 19 August. The signing represents Roma's fourth summer addition. Director of sport Tony D'Amico will now prioritize the capture of Malick Fofana from Lyon, a player who appeals strongly to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Roma have reached agreement with Fofana on personal terms and with his representatives over wages, though Lyon wish to delay the deal until their Champions League preliminary fixtures conclude. The club is also pursuing a midfield winger, with Luis Henrique identified as a target aligned with both Gasperini and D'Amico, pending the conditions of any deal. In parallel developments, Filippo Reale, a 2006-born Primavera academy player, will join Carrarese on loan with a right of redemption and counter-redemption clause after previous spells at Juve Stabia and Avellino. Cherubini has completed a loan switch to Benevento with a right of redemption that becomes mandatory under unspecified conditions. Roma have declined requests from Bologna, Fiorentina, Genoa and Venezia for Robinio Vaz, closing the door to a loan arrangement. Fiorentina have enquired about Matías Soulé with a €40 million valuation attached, while Chelsea and Manchester United, plus unnamed Arab clubs, are tracking Manu Koné—Roma value him at €50 million.