Roma's accounts remain unbalanced as sale deadline looms; Koné and N'Dicka at risk

Zeki Çelik has joined Juventus, forcing Roma to act quickly in the transfer market. Sporting director D'Amico is already compiling a shortlist of potential replacements for the right-back, with Molina of Atlético Madrid and Dodò of Fiorentina both under consideration. Molina, the Argentine full-back who previously attracted interest from coach Gasperini, remains valued at around 20 million euros. D'Amico is simultaneously pursuing moves for Moreira and Summerville, but Çelik's sudden departure to Juventus has created an urgent need to strengthen the right flank. Molina has indicated he does not wish to discuss his future until after the World Cup concludes. Dodò, currently at Fiorentina, is also an option as the Tuscan club look to move him on.

Fresh details have emerged about Zeki Çelik's move to Juventus, revealing Roma was blindsided by the transfer. The Turkish right-back was scheduled to sign his contract renewal with Roma on Friday and attend the club's weekend training camp. Roma had already purchased his return flight to Fiumicino and prepared the documentation, but Çelik never countersigned his portion of the contract. Instead, he travelled to Turin for a medical examination and joined Juventus. According to Fabrizio Romano, Roma had already signed their section of the renewal agreement while remaining unaware of Çelik's intentions to leave. Sporting director Massara seized the opportunity to move quickly once the situation became clear. The manoeuvre left Gian Piero Gasperini without a key defender as the squad prepared for the new season.

Zeki Çelik has left AS Roma to join Juventus on a free transfer, ending four seasons at the Giallorossi. The Turkish full-back underwent medical tests at Juventus's J Medical facility in Turin and signed a contract binding him to the Bianconeri until 30 June 2029. Çelik was expected to return to Roma's Trigoria training ground in the coming days to resume pre-season work, but instead opted to depart after an initial verbal agreement with Roma over a contract renewal fell through. Çelik made 115 appearances and scored 2 goals during his time in the capital. His departure represents a significant loss to Roma's squad depth at right-back, a position now requiring reinforcement. The move reunites him with Ricky Massara, who recently left his role as Roma's sporting director to become Chief Football Officer at Juventus. Juventus confirmed the signing in an official statement, detailing that Çelik's deal runs through the 2028–29 season.

Roma started serious preparation for the 2026–27 season on Monday with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini naming a 17-man squad for initial training at Trigoria. Paulo Dybala featured in the group and marked his contract renewal with a short interview on Roma's official channels. Wesley returned to training immediately following the injury that forced him to miss the World Cup, training alongside teammates in the new kit that showcases the restored classic crest. Gasperini was accompanied by sporting director Tony D'Amico. The initial squad includes four goalkeepers—Svilar, Gollini, De Marzi, and Vasquez—and seven defenders: Angeliño, Ghilardi, Hermoso, Mancini, Rensch, Wesley, and Ziolkowski. Çelik will join on 18 August after completing his holiday following his contract renewal, while N'Dicka is due to arrive on 22 August. Only Pisilli and Cristante are currently available in midfield, with El Aynaoui expected on 30 August and Koné's arrival date to be confirmed pending the end of the World Cup. The attacking line features Dybala, Dovbyk, Soulé, and Vaz, with Dybala the only forward certain to remain at the club long-term. The squad is staying overnight at Fulvio Bernardini training centre and will undergo a double session today—training at 08:00 and 18:00. Roma have also opened ticket sales for their first official pre-season match at Cannes on 26 July at Pierre de Coubertin stadium, with visiting supporters' tickets priced at €15 each through AS Cannes' official website.

AS Roma opened summer training at Trigoria on Monday with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and his squad, with dozens of supporters present to greet the team. Players reported around 12:00 and completed their first session at 18:00. Notably absent from the squad call were World Cup representatives Koné (still in competition), N'Dicka, El Aynaoui, Malen, and Çelik—who is close to renewing his contract—as well as Pellegrini, sidelined by injury but nearing a contract extension. Paulo Dybala's renewal has been officially confirmed through 30 June 2027. The forward said: "This story continues, as everyone wanted—the club, me, and the fans. I'm happy to play another season here, another year in this city. Being able to defend Roma's shirt is a privilege for me. Roma means many things to me: honour, responsibility, beauty. There are also many personal reasons that brought me to be here today. When the music we've all been waiting for plays—the Champions League—we'll look at each other, us on the pitch and you in the stands, and we'll be proud of what we're doing." Gasperini told Rai Radio Uno the Friedkins will arrive in the coming hours and stressed the importance of their presence. "From today there will be important accelerations. We hope to do good business in the market and give answers to the enthusiasm of a city that has already made many subscriptions," he said. Pellegrini is set to sign until 2028 with a 2029 option, earning €2.5 million per season plus bonuses; the deal is in final stages before signature.

Gian Piero Gasperini has announced his initial squad of 17 players for Roma's pre-season training camp at Trigoria as the 2026–27 season officially begins. The Giallorossi are preparing for the new Serie A campaign and a return to Champions League football. Several key players are absent from the initial group. Zeki Çelik is unavailable after his contract expired on 30 June; the Turkish defender is completing his break following the World Cup with his national team, though a contract renewal remains under discussion. Lorenzo Pellegrini is similarly without a deal at present. A staggered return has been arranged for other recent internationals: Evan N'Dicka and Donyell Malen, both recently eliminated from the World Cup, will join the squad later, as will El Aynaoui. Manu Koné's arrival date is yet to be confirmed as he continues with France at the World Cup. Several players returning from loan spells will also train with the first team while their future transfers are resolved. For all involved, the pre-season retreat represents an opportunity to impress Gasperini and stake their claim for the campaign ahead.