Velez president attacks Soulé on Argentina debut: 'He should be punished'

Matías Soulé's debut for Argentina has been overshadowed by a public attack from Fabián Berlanga, president of Vélez Sarsfield, over the manner of the Roma forward's departure from the Argentine club in 2019. Berlanga told Cadena 3 that Soulé should face "an exemplary punishment" and is "not a good example", raising the possibility that the player could one day wear Argentina's number 10 shirt. Soulé left Vélez by invoking Patria Potestas, a mechanism that allows parents to terminate a player's contract with a club in the absence of a signed professional deal. The move resulted in Vélez receiving only approximately 108,000 euros in compensation for Soulé's development before his subsequent transfer to Europe. Berlanga's criticism reflects ongoing tensions between Argentine clubs, young players, and their representatives over player releases. Berlanga broadened his complaint to address systemic issues in the relationship between clubs, youth development, and agents. "We don't like young players being released, but we know it's a battle that must be fought with representatives, who sometimes act in bad faith," he said. Soulé marked his senior international debut in Argentina's decisive victory against Burkina Faso.

Roman radio commentators debated Endrick's future and Roma's midfield depth in their daily round-up of opinion from the Rome airwaves. Agresti reported that Real Madrid want to loan out Endrick, and that despite Roma remaining in the picture and able to offer Champions League football, the forward is currently more inclined toward Milan. He has played only 4 minutes for Madrid this season. Mourinho had blocked his departure in the summer, but Endrick wants to showcase himself, and Milan are ready to give him playing time. The club from the San Siro have close relationships with Endrick's agents and had already tried to advance the matter over the summer; they are now reassessing in light of his minimal usage at Madrid. "Tutto dipende da Mourinho e dal fatto che lasci andare il giocatore" — everything depends on Mourinho and whether he lets the player leave, Agresti said. Pugliese suggested Mourinho's intervention in blocking the deal last summer reflected poor relations with the Friedkin ownership. He noted that Cardinale has a close relationship with Roc Nation, and Rodrygo will return to the Real Madrid fold in December, creating crowded options: Díaz, Yoro, Bernardo Silva, Mbappé, Vinicius, Diomande — too many players for too few places. If Mourinho wants to help someone, Pugliese said, "Penso che Mou se vuole dare una mano potrebbe darla Amorim, non a Gasperini" — he thinks Mou could lend it to Amorim, not Gasperini. On Roma's midfield, Pruzzo said young players must be given chances despite the errors they will make. He praised Bryan Cristante for playing every match and providing equilibrium and security to the squad and to Gasperini. "Nel momento in cui ti viene meno, devi avere un'alternativa a centrocampo: la Roma ha i giocatori contati, e questo può essere un problema" — the moment he becomes unavailable, you need an alternative in midfield, and Roma's options are limited, which could be a problem. Pugliese added that Portugal are pushing for Rodrigo Mora to play for the national team in the position left by Cristiano Ronaldo; Mora is a recognizable technical talent and should grow athletically. At Como, if Pellegrini is fit, he will play ahead of Mora.

Mario Hermoso is moving closer to a contract renewal with Roma. The Spanish defender has established himself as a linchpin under Gian Piero Gasperini, demonstrating strong adaptation to the coach's tactical system. The club's management is now turning its attention to his future, with talks and negotiations set to begin in the coming weeks. Hermoso would prefer a two-year extension that would take his contract through to 2029. Roma's policy for players over 30, however, typically involves annual renewals. Both the player and the club are keen to continue together, though the length of any new deal remains to be settled in forthcoming discussions.