Roma's Young Prospects in Limbo as Club Shifts Strategy Under New Sporting Director
Transfer News·23 June 2026·13d ago

Roma's Young Prospects in Limbo as Club Shifts Strategy Under New Sporting Director

Source: Forza Roma

AS Roma has fundamentally altered its approach to recruitment following the departure of former sporting director Massara and the appointment of Gian Piero Gasperini as head coach. Young prospects acquired for future development—including Robinio Vaz, Ziolkowski, Ghilardi, Venturino, and Ferguson—are now considered surplus to requirements. The club has signaled these players may depart, either permanently or on loan, as Gasperini prioritizes immediate-impact signings over long-term investments.

Gasperini's vision emphasizes players ready to contribute immediately rather than prospects requiring development time. Ziolkowski, a Polish defender, has reportedly been rejected multiple times by the coach and could leave permanently, with Nottingham reportedly interested at a valuation of 20 million euros. Similarly, Vaz, a French forward, no longer fits the profile of a reliable backup to Donyell Malen. The club has also rejected Bosnian midfielder Alajebgovic (class 2007), whom Massara had long tracked, with Gasperini deeming him too inexperienced despite interest from Bayer Leverkusen at 35 million euros.

Roma's new sporting director D'Amico is recalibrating the transfer strategy to align with Gasperini's demands for quality and readiness rather than raw potential. Targets like Mason Greenwood and Molina represent this shift—experienced international players capable of performing on Europe's biggest stages. With Roma now competing in the Champions League, the club believes there is no margin for experimental signings.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

Il futuro può aspettare. Ora c'è un presente da costruire. E si chiama Champions Federico Grimaldi 23 giugno - 11:02 Roma e il settlement agreement: perché è meglio non rimandare C’era una volta una Roma 'baby' che sognava. Il 'padre' era Massara e i suoi colpi di calciomercato in prospettiva…

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

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