Wesley continues recovery work at Trigoria ahead of pre-season

Zeki Çelik is poised to sign a new contract with Roma, with an agreement reached between player and club. The Turkish defender will commit on a three-year deal worth just under €3 million per season, with Roma able to benefit from the Decreto Crescita tax incentive. An official announcement is expected in the coming days, though Çelik will not be present at the squad's gathering on 13 July as he receives additional rest following his participation in the World Cup. He is scheduled to return around 20 July. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini requested the contract extension, keen to utilise Çelik's positional versatility. The 27-year-old can operate as a midfielder on the flank or as a right-side centre-back, offering tactical flexibility for Roma's system. The renewal represents continuity in the full-back role and reinforces the club's confidence in Çelik as a key squad member under Gasperini's management.

Leandro Paredes has revealed he attempted to persuade Paulo Dybala to join Boca Juniors, speaking after Argentina's comeback victory over Egypt in the World Cup round of 16 in America. The midfielder confirmed that a move to the Argentine club was among the possibilities under discussion and had crossed Dybala's mind during negotiations. Paredes told reporters in the mixed zone that he had spoken extensively with his compatriot in recent months about the prospect. Dybala, a current Roma player, is in contract renewal talks with the Giallorossi. Paredes said of his teammate: "I spoke a lot with him over these months. It was one of the possibilities on the contract, in his thoughts too. His life is very calm there. So I only wish him the best because he is an exceptional boy." The comments suggest Dybala has chosen to remain in Rome rather than pursue a return to South America at this stage of his career.

Roman radio hosts have offered contrasting views on Roma's transfer activity and the pursuit of Mason Greenwood. Piero Torri expressed confidence in head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's direction, saying his recent comments have reassured him about the club's market plans. Torri suggested three player renewals could be completed before Monday, though Zeki Çelik's might wait given his World Cup participation. Roberto Pruzzo acknowledged Greenwood's quality but cautioned against being drawn into protracted negotiations, pointing to Roma's January spending of 25 million euros on a player whose role remains unclear. He urged the club to operate with a firm strategy and multiple backup options. Nando Orsi was more critical of the financial terms, questioning whether spending 100 million euros in total wages and transfer fee for Greenwood represents value. Orsi stated: "Can you spend 100 million between transfer fee and salary for Greenwood? Come on… with 100 million I reckon you could find someone like Greenwood anywhere in the world." He noted Gasperini's elevated influence at the club but stressed the need to balance accounts, suggesting the investment was disproportionate to the player's quality given his current status at Marseille.

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.

Paulo Roberto Falcao has backed Gian Piero Gasperini to deliver the Serie A title at AS Roma, speaking at a Media Day event for Rai's Notti Mondiali programme. The legendary striker praised Gasperini's work at Atalanta and his impact since arriving at Trigoria, saying: "Gasperini has done great work at Atalanta and now he is doing it at Trigoria. He can win the Scudetto. Wesley can be his extra man." Falcao also paid tribute to two Roma legends, describing Bruno Conti as "a brother" and Francesco Totti as "a great player." He then revealed a significant untold chapter from his own career, disclosing that he came close to joining Roma as a coach in 1991. "A return to Roma? In 1991 I was close to becoming a coach. They never contacted me again," Falcao stated, suggesting the opportunity never progressed beyond initial discussions during that era.

Paulo Roberto Falcao has expressed confidence in Roma's title ambitions under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, speaking during a Media Day event at Saxa Rubra studios. The World Cup tournament personality praised Gasperini's work, saying: "Gasperini has done great work at Atalanta and now he is doing it at Trigoria. Roma can win the Scudetto. Wesley can be his extra weapon." Falcao, who discussed Brazil's World Cup elimination, also reflected on Roma's history and heritage. He highlighted the club's legendary figures, commenting on Bruno Conti as "a brother" and Francesco Totti as "a great player." Addressing his own potential connection to the club, Falcao revealed: "In 1991 I was close to coming as a coach. They never contacted me again." The former striker also weighed in on a goal by Turone, stating: "The goal did not need VAR or today's technology to validate it," offering his perspective on refereeing decisions in modern football.