Six Roma players eye World Cup stage as recovery race, market showcase unfolds

Roma have abandoned their move for Jayden Oosterwolde after conducting additional medical tests that altered their assessment of the defender's injury status. Oosterwolde had already arrived in the capital in recent days and passed initial medical examinations, but further investigation into a biceps injury he was carrying prompted Roma to reopen talks with Fenerbahce about modifying the deal's terms. When no new agreement could be reached, the club decided not to proceed with the signing. The transfer had been structured as a loan with an obligation to buy, with a combined value under €20 million. Roma's medical team established that the defender would require three to four weeks to return to group training and a minimum of six to eight weeks before he could play, timescales the club deemed unacceptable. Having reassessed the situation with the Fenerbahce hierarchy, Roma chose to withdraw rather than risk the investment given the extended recovery period. Oosterwolde will now return to Turkey. The move had been expected to be wrapped up swiftly after the midfielder arrived at Ciampino airport two days ago, with only medical clearance standing between the player and his registration.

Roma are exploring defensive reinforcements as the transfer window enters its final days, with uncertainty over Jan Ziółkowski's future complicating their planning. The Polish defender is in talks with Monza over a potential departure, forcing Roma to plan for a replacement centre-back option. The pursuit of Morato has grown increasingly difficult after Nottingham Forest rejected Roma's advances on a loan with a purchase option. Director D'Amico has turned his attention to Thilo Kehrer, the 1996-born defender leaving Monaco according to Sky Sport. Kehrer is viewed as an experienced profile capable of providing Gasperini with defensive cover when needed. The move would allow Roma to manage their squad depth at centre-back depending on whether Ziółkowski departs before the window closes.

Roma are continuing their hunt for defensive and wing reinforcements, and Thilo Kehrer has emerged as a target in the past few hours. According to Sky Sport, the centre-back is among the profiles being evaluated at Trigoria. Kehrer is available to leave Monaco, prompting Roma to consider a loan deal for the German defender. The move forms part of Roma's wider squad-building efforts. Nottingham has so far rejected a loan-with-option approach for Morato, which has delayed the green light for Jan Ziółkowski's exit to Monza. With Ziółkowski's departure still pending approval, Roma are seeking a defensive replacement, and the 1996-born Kehrer represents an alternative option to fill that gap.

Roma's defensive solidity has immediately returned after an uncertain pre-season, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini restoring order at the back following the team's official debut against Fiorentina. Pre-season friendlies had prompted concern among supporters after Roma conceded 13 goals in five matches, but the Serie A opener demonstrated that the defensive fragility was temporary. Against Fiorentina, the back line proved solid and reliable, continuing the trajectory of a season that had produced some of Europe's strongest defensive statistics and the second-best goals-against record in Serie A. Gasperini's role in reviving that solidity has been decisive. He secured the continuity of the defensive core by confirming Mario Hermoso with a unilateral contract renewal, binding Gianluca Mancini to the club until 2029 and dismissing speculation linking him to Inter, and preventing Evan N'Dicka's departure. This preserved an established starting three-man defence, underpinned by the positioning work of the wingbacks and the central role of the Ivorian defender. The equilibrium of the squad also rests on the quiet but essential contributions of Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné, whose tactical intelligence and ability to cover ground allow Roma to attack without overexposure at the back.

Roma are reshaping their defence with two moves: Jan Ziolkowski is close to leaving on loan with a right of purchase that can become an obligation under certain conditions, with Monza expected to complete the deal this evening. To replace the Polish defender, Roma have opened official talks with Nottingham over a move for Brazilian left-sided centre-back Morato on a similar loan arrangement with a purchase option. The 2001-born Morato, 1.92m tall, is likely to serve as backup to Evan N'Dicka in the defensive hierarchy. His market value sits around €15 million. The signing represents a shift in Roma's defensive approach: Jayden Oosterwolde will now operate purely as a left-back rather than fill the sixth-defender role in Gasperini's system.

Six AS Roma players have been nominated for awards at the Gran Galà del Calcio, which takes place on 2 September at the Teatro della Scala in Milan. Sky Sport will broadcast the ceremony live. Mile Svilar is a candidate for best goalkeeper, Evan N'Dicka for best defender, Manu Koné for best midfielder, and Donyell Malen for best forward. Malen has made a strong start to the season with a hat-trick against Fiorentina. Gian Piero Gasperini is also in contention, nominated for best coach of the previous season.

Jayden Oosterwolde arrived in Rome on 25 August but his transfer from Fenerbahçe to Roma hit an unexpected snag when medical staff demanded further tests before signing off on the deal. The Dutch left-back, Gasperini's fifth summer signing, was due to sign his contract today but the green light was delayed pending the outcome of fresh medical assessments this morning. Initial fitness tests came back clear, but Roma's medical team wanted to examine a recent muscular problem that sidelined him in recent weeks. Gasperini plans to deploy Oosterwolde on the left flank as a back-up to Wesley, though his versatility also allows him to play as a centre-back. The player has already resumed running and should be fully available by mid-September. Only after final clearance from the medical consultations would the transfer be formally concluded. The deal is structured as a €1 million loan fee with a €15 million purchase option. The obligation to buy will trigger automatically if Oosterwolde makes 20 appearances of at least 45 minutes each.

Gian Piero Gasperini deployed three different formations during Roma's match against Fiorentina, avoiding the 3-4-2-1 system that defined last season but never abandoning the aggressive one-on-one pressing and intensity that characterise his approach. The tactical adjustments were made to nullify Fiorentina's threats rather than to compensate for transfer market gaps or absences. Gasperini's willingness to shift shape underscores a deeper principle: Roma's behaviour remains unchanged regardless of formation. The side consistently attacks, with N'Dicka operating as a target on the attacking third and Mancini and Hermoso—later replaced by Koulierakis—covering the flanks. Fiorentina manager Grosso began in a 4-3-2-1 before moving to 4-2-4 when Roma went two goals clear. With Kean deployed alongside Pellegrino, Gasperini matched the adjustment with an identical system. The lineup featured Svilar in goal, Lulli, Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso across the back, Cristante and Koné in midfield, and Soulé, Dybala, Malen and Wesley in attack. Soulé had replaced Mora at 2-0. When Grosso shifted to 4-3-3 late on, Gasperini responded by introducing El Aynaoui and Pisilli for Koné and Dybala, switching to a 3-5-1-1. This brought Mancini, N'Dicka and Koulierakis across the back, a five-man midfield of Lulli, Pisilli, Cristante, El Aynaoui and Wesley, with Soulé supporting Castro in attack. Roma scored a fourth goal. Gasperini's track record with such adjustments is long and proven, but the club now needs a right-footed winger capable of providing thrust on the break and winning one-on-one duels. The manager will learn soon whether Chelsea is willing to negotiate for Gittens, and after Lyon play Fenerbahce tomorrow evening, whether an agreement with Fofana can be finalised.

Roma demolished Fiorentina 4–0 in a commanding display, with Donyell Malen scoring a hat-trick to lead the charge. Paulo Dybala contributed three assists and Manu Koné was withdrawn only through fatigue, underlining Roma's control. Debutant Daniele Ghilardi impressed in an early appearance, while Evan N'Dicka stood firm at the back as the team moved to 3–4–1–2 formation under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. All five major Italian newspapers awarded Roma positive marks across the board. Svilar received ratings between 6 and 6.5 in goal. The defence was solid, with N'Dicka rated 7 to 7.5 by all outlets and Mancini and Hermoso both praised. In midfield, Cristante earned 6.5 to 7, while Wesley was rated 6 to 7 on the flank. Koné's 6.5 to 7.5 reflected his strong showing before substitution. Malen's 8.5 to 9 and Dybala's 8 to 9 dominated the attacking ratings. Corrections made 68 minutes in saw Koulierakis introduced for Hermoso, while Pisilli replaced Koné at 79 minutes. Rodrigo Mora (6.5) and later Matías Soulé (6) featured in attack; Santiago Castro entered for Malen at 68 minutes. Gasperini earned 7.5 to 8 from the press corps. N'Dicka's display of 7 to 7.5, Koné's energy and Ghilardi's first appearance highlighted a Roma side functioning with precision and depth throughout.

Roma's Champions League League Phase opponents were confirmed on 27 August, and the draw delivered a mouth-watering set of fixtures. The giallorossi will face Real Madrid, PSG and Manchester United, along with trips to Istanbul and Old Trafford among their eight opponents. The detailed fixture calendar with dates and kickoff times will be announced within a couple of days. The League Phase participation guarantees Roma almost €50 million—a minimum figure awarded even if the club loses all eight matches. New CEO John Galantic expressed enthusiasm about the draw and the transfer window's final days, saying: "Gasperini is demanding because he is a winner, which is better this way. He is happy with the players who have arrived, but the club will remain vigilant about possible opportunities." Belgian forward Malick Fofana remains Roma's priority transfer target. Fofana is keen to join Roma and is waiting for a signal from the giallorossi, though a club-to-club agreement has not yet been reached. Roma are pushing hard, with fresh contact between the clubs reported from France aimed at accelerating the deal. All parties are convinced an agreement can be reached. Gittens is Roma's alternative, with director D'Amico continuing efforts to bring him in on loan from Chelsea; contact with his agent is ongoing and talks took place on 27 August. The next step will determine whether Chelsea are willing to accept a loan formula. Chelsea rejected Roma's approach in recent days, but Roma intend to try again. Jayden Oosterwolde will not join Roma. The club conducted additional medical checks following an injury concern and consulted Professor Lempainen; the assessment revealed a lengthy recovery period potentially lasting until January. That evening, Roma withdrew and Oosterwolde will return to Fenerbahce instead. Franck Kessié has drawn closer to Juventus. The relationship between Gasperini and Neil El Aynaoui never developed, and Roma would allow him to leave if offers of €30 million materialise, though none appear imminent. Kessié has been proposed as El Aynaoui's replacement but is demanding €4.5 million per season in wages, which is too high. Defensive moves are expected soon. A deal to sign Morato from Nottingham Forest no longer looks certain after Nottingham rejected a loan; Thilo Kehrer of Monaco has emerged as an option. Jan Ziółkowski is close to leaving on loan to Monza, pending the arrival of his replacement. Robinio Vaz is near a move to Hull City; an agreement between the clubs is near completion on a loan deal valued at €2 million with a €30 million purchase option, with Vaz negotiating personal terms with the English club. Manu Koné remains a retention priority, though reports from Spain suggest José Mourinho's interest at Real Madrid—though Madrid must first create squad space.

Roma are actively pursuing both Aurélien Fofana and Franck Kessié in the final days of the transfer window, according to multiple commentators on Roman radio on 27 August. Mario Corsi stated: "The situation is this: in these hours people are talking about Fofana and Kessié, Roma is absolutely trying to take them. I'm telling you that Roma is absolutely trying, and something will definitely come out. Then maybe it could be other names, but they'll do something good." Corsi added that if Roma sign both players, there is no reason not to discuss a title challenge, noting: "The only team that has four strong strikers is Inter. I have terrible tension in these last four days because it changes the thinking on the shield." The Fofana deal appears structured as a loan with an obligation to buy triggered by a set number of appearances, rather than an outright €35 million plus bonuses transfer from Lyon. Francesca Ferrazza explained: "Fofana has an important history of injuries, and for this reason they are working on the formula: a loan that then becomes an obligation to buy at a certain number of matches. With players who have this history of injuries you have to be cautious, and for this reason the operation is complicated." She urged swift decisions from the ownership: "Let's hope the Friedkins are quick to give answers to D'Amico and Gasperini to green-light the operations." On Jayden Oosterwolde, Checco Oddo Casano reported: "The situation has been clear since yesterday, but Roma still hasn't decided. The medical staff has expressed their doubts saying: 'Are you really sure you want to take this risk?' I honestly wouldn't take this risk, but then you have to see if you have an alternative ready, because today is 27 August and there is little time." Lorenzo Pes suggested negotiations with Fenerbahçe were ongoing to adjust terms: contacts have resumed "to change the cost of the loan, which will not be expensive but free, and on the number of appearances for the obligation to buy." Separately, speculation around Neil El Aynaoui's future prompted comment. Piero Torri stated: "I'm trying to understand something about El Aynaoui, because the story is building that he could leave Roma. The agent says quite decisively that he stays at Roma. There has been talk of Saudi Arabia and Crystal Palace, but I haven't found evidence." Ilario Di Giovambattista weighed in on Roma's overall strength: "Roma has shown they have a crazy defence—I don't see a better one in Italy. The attack is the best in Serie A along with Inter. Even like this Roma can fight for the title."

Roma are pursuing multiple defensive reinforcements as the transfer window enters its final days. The club is evaluating Thilo Kehrer, the 29-year-old German defender from Monaco, on loan as a priority target to strengthen the back line after negotiations for Morato stalled. A deal for Morato, the 25-year-old Brazilian centre-back at Nottingham Forest, has hit an impasse because the English club insists on an obligation to buy clause at conditions Roma finds unfavourable; the club currently refuses to accept this structure while dialogue remains frozen pending potential movement from Forest. Separately, Roma have frozen the departure of Jan Ziółkowski to Monza until a replacement arrives. The defensive activity has intensified following complications around other targets. Medical tests have revealed that Jayden Oosterwolde, the 25-year-old left-back loaned from Fenerbahçe, faces recovery times of approximately one to one-and-a-half months from his biceps femoris injury—longer than initially indicated. Roma have reopened negotiations on the loan formula, discussing the removal of the loan fee and raising the appearance threshold required to trigger his obligation to buy from the originally planned 15–20 matches of at least 45 minutes to around 25–30. A final decision was expected today. The club has also reopened the possibility of signing Morato, for whom a principle of agreement has been reached; the proposed structure is a loan with a right of riscatto around €15 million, convertible to an obligation under certain conditions. Ziółkowski's exit to Monza—being negotiated as a loan with economic conditions potentially tied to his appearance count—would free space for Morato. Midfield reinforcement remains active. Roma met the agent George Atangana on Tuesday in the capital to discuss Franck Kessié, the 29-year-old Ivorian midfielder currently unattached after his spell in Saudi Arabia. Roma's offer matches Juventus's proposal, with salary expectations of approximately €4.5 million per season, but Juventus maintain the advantage through a prior agreement with the player. To press the move, Roma would need to offload Neil El Aynaoui first. El Aynaoui, 25, has reportedly not fully clicked with Gasperini, and Roma could consider selling him for an offer in the region of €30 million, though no bids at that level have arrived. Malick Fofana, the 21-year-old Belgian winger from Lyon, has also resurfaced as an option after Lyon's Champions League elimination strengthened their need for income; Roma reached an understanding with his representatives previously and could accelerate contacts imminently. Lyon are asking around €35 million—a figure within Roma's annual parameters. For the attacking flank, Roma continue monitoring two profiles. Ibrahim Mbaye, the 18-year-old winger in his class of 2008 and departing Paris Saint-Germain, remains under watch as a possible alternative for the left wing if primary targets fail to materialise. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, the 22-year-old from Chelsea and a main alternative to Fofana for the attack, has seen Roma's proposal of a loan with a right of riscatto—valued at approximately €45 million overall—rejected; Chelsea demand stronger guarantees, pushing for either a permanent sale or an obligation clause. Roma have kept dialogue open with London despite the complications.