Roma pursues Moreira as D'Amico plots flanks reinforcement

Roma are studying an official offer for Konstantinos Koulierakis, a promising Greek centre-back at Wolfsburg, according to Alfredo Pedullà. Sporting director Tony D'Amico has identified the 2003-born defender as a priority target, with the club's leadership now analysing the financial details needed to structure a formal proposal to the German club. Koulierakis is a key player for Wolfsburg and features regularly for the Greek national team, attracting attention from Premier League and La Liga clubs. The 21-year-old possesses the physical attributes and tactical profile that align with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's system, combining aerial dominance, strength in anticipated challenges, and the aggressive man-marking approach the Italian coach demands. Roma are keen to move quickly and beat rival suitors to secure a prospect already experienced at the highest level, ensuring depth in a central defensive line essential for navigating the season's domestic and European fixtures. Gasperini's squad continues to evolve across multiple areas, with work progressing on the attack and wide positions alongside this defensive reinforcement. Roma view Koulierakis as a high-calibre addition capable of providing rotation at the heart of defence while possessing the maturity to make an immediate impact.

Roma are on the verge of signing Greek central defender Konstantinos Koulierakis from Wolfsburg for approximately 15 million euros on a permanent deal. The 25-year-old, who played in the Bundesliga last season, will arrive as cover for Mario Hermoso, one of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's key targets in the transfer market. Koulierakis began his career at Paok Salonicco before joining Wolfsburg last summer for around 12 million euros. A left-footed defender standing 1.88 metres tall, he impressed quickly at Paok in the 2022–23 season and earned recognition from the Greek national team, for whom he has made 22 appearances since his first call-up in 2022. Inter enquired about him in January, while Juventus tracked him previously. His defensive strengths include anticipation and aerial play. Koulierakis featured in a friendly against Greece in June and has already established himself as a regular in the national setup. The move to Rome will add depth to Gasperini's backline as the club strengthens its defensive options ahead of the new season.

Santiago Castro has chosen to wear the number 9 shirt at Roma, a symbolic decision that reflects the Argentine striker's ambition and willingness to shoulder the responsibility of a jersey historically reserved for the club's greatest centre-forwards. The 2004-born forward will have his nameplate read "S. CASTRO" on the back of his shirt, completing the personalisation details ahead of the official announcement of his transfer. Castro's selection of the number 9 underlines his character and leadership qualities as he prepares for his new chapter at the Stadio Olimpico under manager Gian Piero Gasperini. The choice carries significant weight in Roma's history, as the shirt has been donned by many of the club's most celebrated strikers. With both the number and nameplate confirmed, Roma's official store is ready to begin custom shirt orders for supporters. The transfer details remain to be formally confirmed by the club, though the personalisation choices suggest the deal is progressing toward completion.

Roma's recruitment drive continues at Trigoria following Santiago Castro's arrival, with sporting director D'Amico unwilling to pause activity. The club is working multiple fronts to strengthen the squad, with a left-footed left-winger now the top priority. Nusa remains a live target with costs currently under exploration, while Ezzalzouli at Betis is also being evaluated. Roma are monitoring developments at Leipzig, particularly around Diomande's potential move to Real Madrid, which could free up Endrick. There are indications that Endrick's parent club might sanction a loan move—a deal structured similarly to Nico Paz's arrangement—if the Brazilian's representatives give approval. Beyond attacking options, Roma need reinforcements at full-back. Gasperini currently has only Wesley and Rensch available, with Angeliño sidelined. The club require two full-backs, one per flank. Fresneda is among the profiles being tracked, though not the only candidate. Diego Moreira's valuations have dropped significantly due to prohibitively high costs. Defensively, Gasperini and D'Amico are also considering moves for a left-sided centre-back with a left foot to provide additional cover.

Paolo Marcacci's weekly ratings roundup highlights Paulo Dybala's perfectly struck free-kick against Cannes in a friendly, earning top marks for technical excellence regardless of the opposition's standard. Donyell Malen has returned from his recent World Cup commitments with renewed hunger for goals and prominence in Roma's attacking play, while Devyne Rensch is already showing signs of sharpness and remains underrated heading into official fixtures. Pierluigi Gollini's position as second-choice keeper warrants reflection from the club. Matías Soulé's fitness condition drew specific mention from Gasperini in a recent press conference, with Soulé appearing among those most behind pace during the Cannes match—though this observation carries no bearing on ongoing transfer considerations. Angeliño's search for match sharpness requires respectful patience rather than unsolicited commentary. The wider ratings reflect concerns about Italy's national team setup under new management, with political interference in sporting matters undermining both the sport itself and public confidence.

Roma are pursuing a significant revamp of their defensive and attacking flanks following Santiago Castro's arrival. Sporting CP's Ivan Fresneda remains the priority target for the right-back position, with the Portuguese club valuing the Spanish defender at approximately €15 million. Roma are intensifying diplomatic contact to negotiate that fee downwards. Wesley is the first-choice right-back, with Devyne Rensch providing cover, though the club believes additional quality additions are necessary. Rafik Belghali remains a backup option but has not entirely convinced the coaching staff due to fitness concerns. On the left flank, a major restructure is underway. Anass Salah-Eddine is close to departing after failing to fit Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical requirements, with PSV Eindhoven preparing a return deal following his loan spell there last season. The player had preferred a Premier League move, but PSV are advancing towards completing the transfer. Angeliño's position is also uncertain. The Spanish defender has not fully convinced Gasperini during pre-season and Roma will consider offers for him. Deportivo La Coruña have registered interest, though no formal bids have yet reached the club.

Gianluca Mancini has renewed his contract with Roma until 2029, reinforcing his commitment to the club despite interest from elsewhere. The defender, who has tattooed SPQR on his quadriceps, rejected approaches to leave the capital. His agent Giuseppe Riso acknowledged the situation: "I wanted to take him away. I told him that for me he's mad, but he loves Roma... Gasperini and D'Amico were better at convincing him than I was. I would have taken him away, but he refused: he wanted Roma. This is a gesture he makes for the Roma people. I'm happy because he's happy." Mancini's renewal comes as Roma continue their summer squad overhaul under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Bryan Cristante has also extended his contract with the club, and Riso praised the midfielder: "Bryan is the captain. He has 360 matches for Roma, he is a pillar and I believe he will enter Roma's history." Roma are pursuing reinforcements across multiple positions. Priority targets include a left-back with a right foot, with Nusa and Ezzalzouli (Betis) under consideration. Movement at Leipzig involving Diomande could free up Endrick from Real Madrid for a loan deal. In defence, Gasperini is seeking a left-sided centre-back, with Fresneda among profiles monitored. At full-back, Wesley and Rensch currently provide options, though Roma aim to sign two additional players for wide positions.

Roma's recruitment drive continues at Trigoria following Santiago Castro's arrival, with sporting director D'Amico unwilling to pause activity. The club is working multiple fronts to strengthen the squad, with a left-footed left-winger now the top priority. Nusa remains a live target with costs currently under exploration, while Ezzalzouli at Betis is also being evaluated. Roma are monitoring developments at Leipzig, particularly around Diomande's potential move to Real Madrid, which could free up Endrick. There are indications that Endrick's parent club might sanction a loan move—a deal structured similarly to Nico Paz's arrangement—if the Brazilian's representatives give approval. Beyond attacking options, Roma need reinforcements at full-back. Gasperini currently has only Wesley and Rensch available, with Angeliño sidelined. The club require two full-backs, one per flank. Fresneda is among the profiles being tracked, though not the only candidate. Diego Moreira's valuations have dropped significantly due to prohibitively high costs. Defensively, Gasperini and D'Amico are also considering moves for a left-sided centre-back with a left foot to provide additional cover.

Roma are pursuing a significant revamp of their defensive and attacking flanks following Santiago Castro's arrival. Sporting CP's Ivan Fresneda remains the priority target for the right-back position, with the Portuguese club valuing the Spanish defender at approximately €15 million. Roma are intensifying diplomatic contact to negotiate that fee downwards. Wesley is the first-choice right-back, with Devyne Rensch providing cover, though the club believes additional quality additions are necessary. Rafik Belghali remains a backup option but has not entirely convinced the coaching staff due to fitness concerns. On the left flank, a major restructure is underway. Anass Salah-Eddine is close to departing after failing to fit Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical requirements, with PSV Eindhoven preparing a return deal following his loan spell there last season. The player had preferred a Premier League move, but PSV are advancing towards completing the transfer. Angeliño's position is also uncertain. The Spanish defender has not fully convinced Gasperini during pre-season and Roma will consider offers for him. Deportivo La Coruña have registered interest, though no formal bids have yet reached the club.