Totti backs Pellegrini to stay at Roma, calls him a difference-maker

Roma are pushing hard to complete the signing of Summerville from West Ham in the coming hours, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini awaiting final confirmation. The Friedkin Group are prepared to increase their offer beyond the €45 million, including bonuses, tabled two days ago, with an agreement expected around the €50 million mark demanded by the English club. Summerville has already reached a full understanding with Roma and is determined to complete the transfer as soon as possible to begin his new chapter in the capital. Aston Villa remain interested, but the player's willingness to join Roma gives the giallorossi a significant advantage in negotiations. The Friedkin Group are confident of securing the deal. Unusually, there is no traditional release clause attached to Summerville's contract at West Ham. Instead, a private agreement exists between West Ham and the player's representatives that establishes the financial conditions for any future sale of his registration. With talks progressing rapidly, Roma hope to wrap up the transfer imminently.

Roma defeated their Primavera side 6-0 in a friendly training match. Artem Dovbyk and Paulo Dybala each scored twice, with additional goals from Matías Soulé and Bryan Cristante. The fixture served as a workout for Gian Piero Gasperini's squad during the club's daily schedule at Trigoria. Dybala expressed his happiness over signing a new contract with the club. A banner supporting Lorenzo Pellegrini was displayed outside the training ground.

Roma supporters displayed a banner on Sunday calling for the club to retain Lorenzo Pellegrini, signalling their desire not to repeat the departure of Çelik, who moved to Juventus. The message read: "Çelik, a mistake. Now let's hold tight to Pellegrini." The midfielder is currently in talks over a contract renewal with Roma and remains free to negotiate with other clubs while those discussions continue. Pellegrini has reportedly rejected Juventus as an option and wishes to continue his career at the Giallorossi. Former Roma and Livorno goalkeeper Marco Amelia, however, has proposed Milan as a potential destination. Speaking on Carlo Pellegatti's YouTube channel, the 2006 World Cup winner suggested Pellegrini could strengthen the Rossoneri. Amelia said: "There's a player I would sign for Milan and it's Pellegrini, who at the moment is free while waiting for his renewal with Roma. Lorenzo is a serious lad, a good person, a hard worker, and technically in tight spaces he is really strong. He's waiting for his renewal with Roma, he would like to stay. But if you ask me which player right now at Milan can improve the context, I think it's Pellegrini." Despite Amelia's endorsement of the move, Pellegrini's stated preference remains to resolve his contract situation and extend his time at the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma's 2026–27 season officially began with a 6–0 friendly win over the Primavera under Mattia Scala, played in four 20-minute periods. Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk scored twice each, with Matías Soulé and Bryan Cristante also on the scoresheet under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Crysencio Summerville is emerging as Roma's primary summer transfer target. The club has reached a tentative agreement with the Dutch winger but must negotiate with West Ham, who rejected an initial offer of €40 million plus €5 million in bonuses. Roma are preparing a counter-bid and are considering paying the €53 million release clause in Summerville's contract. The player has reportedly reduced his wage demands, with Roma offering €4 million annually plus bonuses to seal the deal. Meanwhile, director D'Amico continues working to secure contract renewals for Gasperini's squad. Gianluca Mancini, Paulo Dybala and Bryan Cristante have all signed new deals, but Lorenzo Pellegrini's renewal remains unsigned. Roma supporters have displayed a banner at Trigoria urging the club to complete Pellegrini's contract: "Making a mistake can happen, repeating it means negligence. Let's hold Lorenzo tight." The message echoes concerns over Zeki Çelik's summer departure to Juventus. Elsewhere, Manu Koné has attracted interest from Manchester United and other top European clubs following strong displays at the World Cup; Roma will not consider offers below €50–60 million, having rejected Atlético Madrid's €43 million bid in June.

Roma defeated their Primavera side 6-0 in a friendly training match. Artem Dovbyk and Paulo Dybala each scored twice, with additional goals from Matías Soulé and Bryan Cristante. The fixture served as a workout for Gian Piero Gasperini's squad during the club's daily schedule at Trigoria. Dybala expressed his happiness over signing a new contract with the club. A banner supporting Lorenzo Pellegrini was displayed outside the training ground.

Roma supporters displayed a banner on Sunday calling for the club to retain Lorenzo Pellegrini, signalling their desire not to repeat the departure of Çelik, who moved to Juventus. The message read: "Çelik, a mistake. Now let's hold tight to Pellegrini." The midfielder is currently in talks over a contract renewal with Roma and remains free to negotiate with other clubs while those discussions continue. Pellegrini has reportedly rejected Juventus as an option and wishes to continue his career at the Giallorossi. Former Roma and Livorno goalkeeper Marco Amelia, however, has proposed Milan as a potential destination. Speaking on Carlo Pellegatti's YouTube channel, the 2006 World Cup winner suggested Pellegrini could strengthen the Rossoneri. Amelia said: "There's a player I would sign for Milan and it's Pellegrini, who at the moment is free while waiting for his renewal with Roma. Lorenzo is a serious lad, a good person, a hard worker, and technically in tight spaces he is really strong. He's waiting for his renewal with Roma, he would like to stay. But if you ask me which player right now at Milan can improve the context, I think it's Pellegrini." Despite Amelia's endorsement of the move, Pellegrini's stated preference remains to resolve his contract situation and extend his time at the Stadio Olimpico.