Torino make contact with Evan Ferguson over Serie A return

Torino president Urbano Cairo has reiterated his determination to keep left-back Alessio Cacciamani, the class of 2007, despite interest from Roma and other clubs. Speaking to Sky Sport, Cairo said: "I'm keeping him very close to me. There is a lot of interest in him, not just from Roma. I'd really like to keep him. Then we'll see how the market develops and how things end up. I don't want to say I'm 100% sure he will stay with us, but I hope to do a series of other things so he can remain with us." Roma, preparing for a friendly against Brighton at 16:00 Italian time in their final test of their overseas training camp, have made Cacciamani a priority for the left-back position as they look to complete their external defensive line and focus on the attacking department. The arrival of Molina is imminent, and Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract renewal has been confirmed. Cacciamani, a favourite of Torino's new coach Abate, has been identified as the prime target for Roma's left flank. Cairo acknowledged the precarious nature of the situation, stating: "It depends on the offers but also on the alternatives we have going out. We need to do something, because otherwise an economic situation opens up that isn't brilliant. So we need to do something in departures too, because so far we've done almost only arrivals. I don't want to make empty promises; I'd like Cacciamani to be with us all next year. We're working so that this can happen."

Roma have entered the running to sign Teun Koopmeiners from Juventus, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The Dutch midfielder, 28, has fallen out of favour under Luciano Spalletti at the Allianz Stadium and is expected to leave Turin before the close of the summer window. Juventus paid Atalanta €55 million to sign Koopmeiners in 2024, but he has failed to settle. Last season he made 33 Serie A appearances, starting just 18 matches, and finished without a single goal contribution. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is keen to strengthen the midfield, with Manu Koné's future uncertain amid reported interest from Manchester United. If Koné departs, Roma would need to fill a significant gap in the engine room, and Koopmeiners has been identified as a potential target. The Giallorossi are optimistic about their chances given that Champions League football is returning to the capital. However, Roma face competition from the Premier League, with Aston Villa and Manchester United also reportedly considering a move for the former AZ Alkmaar player.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has signed a contract extension with AS Roma keeping him at the club until 30 June 2027. The club confirmed the agreement on 8 August 2026, with the midfielder committing to a one-year renewal. Roma said in an official statement: "The AS Roma is pleased to announce the agreement reached for the extension of Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract. Grown in the Giallorossi youth sector, the player will continue to tie his career to the colours of the Capital. Pellegrini's decision to accept the club's proposal demonstrates the deep sharing of the sporting vision and values of the Romanist project." The renewal secures continuity in the squad under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini ahead of the 2026-27 season, in which Roma will compete in the Champions League. The agreement also closes the door on approach work from several Premier League clubs and Juventus in recent weeks. Pellegrini, a Roma academy product, previously played in Europe's elite competition between 2017 and 2019.

Evan Ferguson could return to Italian football. The 21-year-old Irish striker, currently sidelined by an ankle injury sustained in January, spent time on loan at Roma last season but has not featured since. According to Football Insider, Torino have opened talks with Brighton to sign Ferguson, with the English club open to discussing his departure. Ferguson's Roma spell was disappointing and cut short by injury. He arrived on loan from Brighton during the 2025–26 season but struggled to make an impact before the ankle problem ended his time at the Stadio Olimpico. Torino have identified him as an attacking reinforcement, in a move that coincides with Roma's own interest in acquiring Torino's Cacciamani.

Roma have renewed Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract, with the official announcement expected in the coming hours. Gasperini will reunite with the midfielder on his return to Trigoria following the pre-season training camp in Wales and England. On the transfer front, Roma are pursuing left-wing reinforcements with Nusa and Fofana among the primary targets. Cacciamani of Torino remains the preferred candidate for that role, though Torino owner Cairo is resisting negotiations; Roma could make a move in the coming hours. Attention on Nusa has intensified, with Arsenal reportedly ready to rival Roma for the Norwegian winger following Vinicius's contract renewal at Real Madrid. Endrick continues to be Roma's dream for attack; the Brazilian is leaving Real Madrid in search of playing time and Gasperini rates him highly, but a deal can only accelerate in the closing days of the market or if Matías Soulé departs. Evan Ferguson, the 21-year-old Irish forward on loan from Brighton, could return to Italy, with Torino reportedly tracking him after an injury-plagued season at Roma. Jonathan Rowe, the former Marseille attacker previously linked to Roma, is valued by Bologna at approximately €40 million and has been placed back in the club's sights. Manu Koné is unlikely to leave for Manchester United, as manager Carrick does not view him as a priority.

Chris Smalling, the former Roma and England defender now with Saudi club Al-Fayha, has spoken warmly of José Mourinho's leadership during their time together at the Giallorossi. Smalling, who left Roma in 2024 after five years at the club, played under Mourinho at both Manchester United and Roma, and credits the Portuguese manager with instilling trust and passion in his squad. Smalling told the BBC that Mourinho's influence extended beyond tactical acumen. "Sia allo United che alla Roma, José mi schierava nella maggior parte delle partite perché avevamo un buon rapporto e si fidava di me," Smalling recalled, explaining how Mourinho earned the confidence of experienced players. "È molto facile influenzare i giocatori più giovani, ma la bellezza di Sir Alex Ferguson e di José sta nel fatto che sono riusciti a creare quella fiducia nei giocatori più esperti. Molti allenatori sanno fare dei buoni discorsi alla squadra, ma se guardi qualcuno negli occhi, vedi la passione e la vera convinzione che 'succederà', i giocatori più esperti lo seguono e gli altri si impegnano al massimo. Questa è la bellezza degli allenatori di alto livello." Smalling's assessment underscores Mourinho's ability to motivate players through force of personality and genuine conviction, qualities the defender regards as the hallmark of elite coaching.