← Squad
3

Angeliño

Defender#3· Spanish

José Ángel Esmorís Tasende — known universally as Angeliño — took a long and winding road before finding his spiritual home in Rome. A Manchester City academy graduate who spent years on loan across Europe refining his craft, it was at RB Leipzig where he truly announced himself, becoming one of the Bundesliga's most dynamic left-backs and playing a decisive role in Leipzig's first-ever Champions League semi-final appearance in 2020. He provided the assist for the winning goal against Atlético Madrid in the quarter-final.

Angeliño signed permanently for Roma in May 2024, and he has been transformed from a flank defender into something closer to a wide midfielder in attack. He is technically gifted, blessed with a superb left foot, and produces a remarkable volume of chances from his position on the left side. He was nominated for multiple Dutch awards during his breakthrough season at PSV, setting records for assists and chances created.

What makes him special for Roma supporters is the combination of selflessness and quality: he tracks back diligently, but when he gets forward — and he gets forward often — he does it with real purpose and delivery.

Latest on Angeliño

Gasperini seeks two fullbacks as Çelik exit forces Roma overhaul
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
3h ago

Gasperini seeks two fullbacks as Çelik exit forces Roma overhaul

Zeki Çelik's unexpected departure has forced Roma to accelerate their search for reinforcements on the flanks, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini requiring at least two new fullbacks to complete the defensive unit ahead of the new season. Wesley remains the main established option alongside Devyne Rensch, but concerns linger over Angeliño following a difficult campaign and evident lack of match fitness, while a departure is already confirmed for Salah-Eddine. Roma is hunting for defensive cover that can provide the positional flexibility lost with Çelik's exit, with one target capable of operating as a centre-back as well. Diego Moreira of Strasbourg remains the club's primary target, though negotiations have stalled over his €50 million valuation, which Roma consider excessive. Nicolò Savona of Nottingham Forest is also being monitored and fits the profile, but concerns about his physical readiness following a recent knee injury are tempering enthusiasm. Alternative options at Molina and Dodo are not currently gaining traction. The push for strengthening the fullback positions comes as Roma also pursue Louis Summerville to bolster the attacking department.

Summerville deal nears completion; Roma pursue Mbaye on loan from PSG
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
3h ago

Summerville deal nears completion; Roma pursue Mbaye on loan from PSG

Roma are closing in on the signing of Summerville, with only West Ham's final approval required to complete the deal. The winger will sign a five-year contract worth approximately €4 million per season once the English club gives the green light. Director D'Amico is also targeting attacking reinforcements on the left, with Paris Saint-Germain open to a loan move for Mbaye, alongside interest in Benfica's Schjelderup. The Roma transfer operation extends across the squad. Manu Koné remains a target for Manchester United, with the midfielder reportedly open to a Premier League move, though Roma await the club's opening offer. In defence, Angeliño's status is uncertain while Salah-Eddine is being sold. Roma are monitoring Verona's Belghali and Nottingham's Savona for the right flank. Fiorentina are pursuing Artem Dovbyk, but Roma will not entertain a loan departure for the Ukrainian striker, who remains in the exit window. D'Amico continues reshaping the squad as Roma await Summerville's paperwork. The €50 million bid represents the decisive push, with full agreement already in place between Roma and the player. A deal announcement is expected imminently.

Roma targets Verona's Belghali to replace Çelik at right-back
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
3h ago

Roma targets Verona's Belghali to replace Çelik at right-back

Roma have identified Rafik Belghali as a candidate to fill the defensive gap left by Zeki Çelik's move to Juventus. The Algerian-born Belgian defender, who plays for relegated Hellas Verona, was previously admired by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and director D'Amico during his time at the Veneto club. Verona have valued Belghali at €15 million, a fee Roma consider manageable, and relations between the two clubs remain strong following the earlier transfer of Daniele Ghilardi to the Giallorossi. Belghali's versatility across both flanks mirrors Çelik's position flexibility, making him an attractive option for Gasperini's tactical setup. Verona's relegation from Serie A has made the defender available on the market, with Roma leading the pursuit. The club's wage structure can comfortably accommodate his salary demands. However, Roma are also monitoring Nottingham Forest's Alessandro Savona as an alternative option, with the defensive recruitment drive partly motivated by concerns over the fitness and reliability of Angeliño following his extended absence.

Gasperini seeks two new wingers as Angeliño fails to impress
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
4h ago

Gasperini seeks two new wingers as Angeliño fails to impress

Gian Piero Gasperini's wing options have been severely depleted after Zeki Çelik's surprise departure, leaving the Roma boss to pursue reinforcements in that area. The squad reported for pre-season with Wesley, Devyne Rensch, and Angeliño as available options. While Wesley remains reliable and Rensch offers a capable alternative, Angeliño has failed to convince. Last season was troubled for the Spanish left-back, who started Roma's opening five league matches but managed only thirty minutes in the field across games against Lecce and Pisa in March and April, hampered by persistent physical problems from which he never recovered. Gasperini has been monitoring him closely during pre-season training, but even in Thursday's friendly against the Primavera, Angeliño showed no encouraging signs. Kostas Tsimikas, who departed to Liverpool without lingering regret, will not be available this season, though Salah-Eddine is expected to return. Gasperini has identified the wing positions as requiring a complete overhaul, given that attacking midfielders have historically been central to his tactical approach. The club's primary target is reportedly Moreira, though Strasbourg's demands of at least 50 million euros present a significant obstacle. Roma are also interested in Savona and Belghali. The club needs to recruit at least two wide players, with at least one capable of operating as both full-back and centre-back, or across both flanks—a versatility Çelik possessed before his sudden exit despite a verbal agreement to extend his contract through 2029.

Roma and Inter battle for Verona fullback Belghali
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
15h ago

Roma and Inter battle for Verona fullback Belghali

Roma and Inter are competing to sign Belghali, the Verona fullback who is available for transfer. According to Footmercato, the left-back is among Roma's priorities, though the Giallorossi must fend off competition from Inter, who have included him on their shortlist as a potential replacement for Dumfries. Roma's recruitment focus on the flanks has intensified following Zeki Çelik's unexpected move to Juventus. The club is eager to strengthen both fullback positions, with Salah-Eddine set to depart and Angeliño's physical condition a concern. Belghali would be offered a contract worth 2.5 million euros per season. Strasbourg's Diego Moreira remains Roma's dream target, but the French club's elevated demands are hindering negotiations despite an agreement already reached between the club and the player.

Gasperini watches Angeliño closely as Roma scout left-back alternatives
Squad NewsTransfer News AI
19h ago

Gasperini watches Angeliño closely as Roma scout left-back alternatives

Angeliño has drawn close scrutiny from Gasperini during the early weeks of pre-season, with the Spanish left-back seeking to rebuild after injury limited him to extended spells on the sidelines last season. His performance in a friendly against Roma's Primavera raised concerns: he offered little attacking thrust down the left flank and displayed a physical condition below optimal levels, prompting the coach to continue assessing his progress throughout the week. Gasperini's wide players operate as full-backs fundamental to his tactical system, and Roma remain actively hunting for reinforcements on the left wing. Diego Moreira of Strasbourg is among the names being tracked with particular interest. An alternative scenario could unfold if Roma acquire a starter for the right flank following Zeki Çelik's departure; Gasperini might then deploy Wesley regularly on the left after his strong performances last season. Either option would significantly reduce Angeliño's pathway to minutes, potentially prompting him to consider leaving Trigoria. Spanish clubs including Deportivo La Coruña, Espanyol, and Betis have already made enquiries about the player.

Feedback