Weekly Grades: Italy U17 Crowned, Wesley's World Cup Heartbreak, and D'Amico's Transfer Limbo

Dario Bonetti has thrown his weight behind Manu Koné remaining at Roma, citing his standout performances at the World Cup as proof of his absolute value to Gian Piero Gasperini's midfield. Speaking exclusively to Romanews.eu, Bonetti said: "The World Cup is proving he is a midfielder of absolute value, fundamental in relaunching the action and in ball recovery, an aspect fundamental to Gasperini's football." Bonetti also praised the club's decision to retain Paulo Dybala with proper financial terms, believing the forward should have been kept: "I would have retained him too with the right economic conditions; from now on it will be important that he stays healthy and is managed by Gasperini's staff in a way to prevent injuries." Bonetti noted that while Roma lost time pursuing Mason Greenwood, the transfer market's inherent complications mean securing the right deals is difficult. He stressed the importance of maintaining the squad's strong foundation, which has already secured Champions League qualification. Regarding Gasperini's demeanour heading into pre-season, Bonetti attributed the coach's apparent calm not to the arrival of sporting director D'Amico but rather to Gasperini's established standing at the club after his first season: "Last year Gasperini had to settle in, had everything to prove and felt the pressure of an environment to conquer; a year later he has that environment in his hands, including the fans, and restarts from a strong squad."

Rome's radio stations have aired divergent views on Manu Koné's transfer valuation, with one commentator insisting the midfielder is worth significantly more than his reported asking price. Piero Torri argued: "Koné is a starter for the strongest nation at the World Cup. Less than 60 million is not his value, and if Roma were to sell him at that figure they would make 50 million in profit." The debate follows reports that Koné could be available for 50 million euros, with Stefano Petrucci calling that figure "ridiculous" and comparing the midfielder's standing to Tonali. Gasperini's priority in the transfer window centres on attacking reinforcements and midfield depth. Ugo Trani predicted five arrivals following likely departures, with Matías Soulé expected to leave. Trani outlined potential targets including players described as capable of operating in multiple forward positions and assisting roles, though he acknowledged uncertainty around specific deals. Paulo Dybala's contract renewal is expected to reach 2.5 million euros plus achievable bonuses, according to Paolo Marcacci, while Lorenzo Pellegrini remains in contract discussions that Marcacci described as a period of stagnation affecting his career momentum. Discussion also touched on attacking targets Greenwood, Garnacho, and Nusa, with Trani noting complications around Manchester United's own transfer strategy affecting Roma's negotiating position.

Roma analysts and radio commentators have weighed in on several key transfer matters affecting the club. Paolo Marcacci suggested that Paulo Dybala's renewal will be worth 2.5 million euros plus bonuses, describing those targets as easily reachable. On Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract situation, Marcacci said: "I hope he emerges from uncertainty. It is a moment of stagnation that does not help his career. I would keep Pellegrini, but these contractual doubts give more reason to those who want him away from Roma." He also questioned Manu Koné's valuation, asking why the midfielder costs only 50 million euros and drawing a comparison to Tonali's transfer fee. Enrico Camelio reported that a Premier League club is pushing to sign Pellegrini, while Dybala's negotiations took place at a hotel. He also mentioned that Moreira could move to Real Madrid. Daniele Matera suggested the current week could be decisive for several ongoing Roma deals and noted that Koné is performing well at the World Cup, something Roma had hoped to see.

Roma await the return of their squad to Trigoria as transfer speculation intensifies around potential targets. Alejandro Garnacho, the Argentine forward, is absent from Chelsea's pre-season gathering under Xabi Alonso, fuelling continued reports linking him away from Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, Lorenzo Pellegrini is edging closer to signing a new contract with the club, with negotiations progressing positively. Wesley continues his training programme as Roma prepare for the campaign ahead. The developments come as the giallorossi manage their off-season priorities across both playing squad recruitment and existing player retention. Pellegrini, a cornerstone of the club's midfield, represents a key piece of continuity in Gasperini's plans. On the women's side, Rossettini departed Roma Femminile, announcing her farewell on social media.

Wesley has returned to Roma's training ground at the Fulvio Bernardini ahead of the squad's official recall on Monday, eager to accelerate his comeback from the injury that ruled him out of the World Cup. The winger shared a post on social media from the facility, emphasizing the club's rallying cry: "For the shirt, for the people, for Roma." Wesley was sidelined by injury just days before the World Cup tournament, but has wasted no time beginning his rehabilitation work under Gian Piero Gasperini's supervision. His early return to Trigoria signals his determination to regain fitness and return to the head coach's plans at the earliest opportunity. The number 43 is focused on completing his recovery programme and rejoining full squad activities.

Wesley is set to report for Roma's pre-season gathering on Monday 13 July at Trigoria after accelerating his recovery from a left adductor muscle injury that ruled him out of the World Cup. The Brazilian left-back, born in 2003, opted to forgo his summer break and instead undertook continuous rehabilitation work, documenting his progress across social media through intensive gym sessions and pitch-based drills. A photograph posted on his wife's Instagram account confirmed his return to full training. Wesley's availability is a major boost for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who will now have access to one of Roma's tactical cornerstones from the outset of the summer regime. The injury struck just four days before the World Cup began, forcing Wesley to withdraw from the tournament. His commitment to an accelerated return ahead of the official season start demonstrates his determination to reclaim match fitness and be fully ready as Roma prepare for the campaign ahead.

Roma have renewed their pursuit of Diego Moreira, the 2004-born Strasbourg winger who featured for Belgium at the World Cup, as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's priority reinforcement on the left side. The French club values the Belgian at €40 million—a figure Roma director Tony D'Amico will attempt to reduce through negotiation. A previous approach came before the World Cup tournament, and the club has now resumed talks. Moreira's arrival would restore Wesley to his natural position on the right flank. The winger impressed on the opposite side last season, but Gasperini's vision centres on strengthening the left, a flank without a settled incumbent. Salah-Eddine is being moved on, Angeliño will be evaluated during the pre-season retreat, and Kostas Tsimikas departed a month ago. Gasperini views Moreira as the ideal fit: quick, technical, and with sharp attacking capabilities demonstrated in matches such as the encounter against Senegal. Last season the Belgian recorded 4 goals and 7 assists. The decision now rests with the Friedkin Group ownership.

Kostas Tsimikas's spell at Roma has ended without the impact promised when Liverpool loaned him to the club on 31 August 2025. The left-back arrived as backup to Angeliño but failed to deliver despite encouraging early signs, making just 1050 minutes across 18 Serie A appearances and 7 Europa League matches. His season average rating of 5.63 reflects a run marred by costly errors—including a meekly struck free kick at Como that became social media fodder—and finishing with only one assist to his name, earned in a Europa League match at Nice on 24 September when he set up Gianluca Mancini twice in a performance that proved his sole highlight. Tsimikas debuted in the Derby della Capitale on 21 September, contributing the final 9 minutes of Roma's victory against Lazio, but never again demonstrated the quality shown in France. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini was forced to solve the left-back shortage by deploying Wesley in that position, with Zeki Çelik anchoring the opposite flank—a makeshift arrangement that ultimately benefited Roma through Wesley's exceptional form. Roma chose not to activate the permanent option on the Greek international, who has returned to Liverpool. The 41-cap international's failure to flourish, despite arriving as an experienced Premier League performer, underscores how promising signings can falter even when all conditions appear favourable.

Zeki Celik is close to signing a new three-year contract with AS Roma following Turkey's elimination from the World Cup at the group stage. The club and player have reached an agreement in principle, with an announcement expected in the coming days. However, Celik will not be Gasperini's starting right-back. The head coach has requested reinforcement on the right flank and views Celik as a versatile option who can operate on either wing or as a right centre-back to rotate with Gianluca Mancini. Gasperini's primary target for the right-back position is a younger profile than Molina, who is considered a secondary option at 28 years old. Dodô is not being pursued, as Roma has not made any formal approach for the player. On the left side, Wesley remains a key part of the plans after rejecting Chelsea and is ready for the upcoming season. Ruggeri is not a target for Roma. The club will seek an alternative to Wesley on the left, with Angeliño expected to depart. Roma continues to work on contract extensions for key players, with Celik's renewal progressing alongside talks with Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini regarding their own deals.