Maurizio Sarri
May 2026
Maurizio Sarri has threatened to boycott media duties and criticised Serie A organisers over a scheduled lunchtime Rome derby, calling the timing disrespectful to both clubs and supporters. The fixture was set for a 12:30 kick-off despite expected heat, prompting Sarri to demand accountability. He argued similar scheduling is not applied to other major fixtures, intensifying his frustration.
AS Roma
April 2026
Donyell Malen is reportedly on the verge of joining Roma permanently after hitting the appearance threshold that turns his clause into an obligation to buy. The reported fee is €25 million, with the Dutch forward set for a long-term stay in Serie A. Schira says Malen has already reached the trigger conditions and will sign through 2030 after impressing on loan with strong goal output
Joshua Zirkzee
March 2026
Joshua Zirkzee is again expected to be a transfer topic this summer, with a return to Serie A described as his clear priority after a disappointing season at Manchester United. Reports say both Italian and Premier League clubs are tracking the striker’s situation closely. Matteo Moretto reported that Zirkzee’s lack of minutes has revived uncertainty around his future, with Roma previously close to reaching an agreement before United kept him for the second half of the season. His next move now looks increasingly likely to be shaped by playing-time concerns.
Bryan Cristante
March 2026
Bryan Cristante said Roma only had themselves to blame after losing 4-3 after extra time to Bologna and crashing out of the Europa League. The midfielder admitted Roma had done well to fight back, but said conceding too many goals ruined their chances. Roma and Bologna were level after the first leg and produced a 3-3 draw in normal time at the Olimpico before Nicolo Cambiaghi scored the decisive extra-time winner. Cristante said fatigue could not be an excuse and urged Roma to reset quickly ahead of another important domestic fixture.
Manu Kone
March 2026
Roma have been dealt an injury concern ahead of a demanding run after Manu Kone suffered muscle fatigue in training. The midfielder is now almost certain to miss the Europa League clash with Bologna and is also a doubt for the upcoming league meeting with Como. Kone felt discomfort during Roma’s final training session and was forced to stop early, raising immediate concern inside Gasperini’s camp. With Bologna and Como both crucial opponents in Roma’s push across Europe and the league, his likely absence weakens an important part of the side’s midfield setup.
Raheem Sterling
January 2026
Rosenior says he will speak to Sterling and Disasi after their exclusion from first-team training this season under Maresca. Both are training separately from the main squad; Sterling has not played this season and Disasi has not played in the league since January 20, 2025. Napoli are linked with Sterling; Roma and Lyon have asked about Disasi. Chelsea cannot approve another overseas loan unless they cancel an existing foreign loan because they already have six players out abroad.
Radu Dragusin
January 2026
Spurs turned down Roma’s loan approach for Dragusin despite the player being open to a Serie A return after a long ACL layoff. Dragusin has been in recent matchday squads but barely used; Roma pushed after agreeing terms with the player, yet Tottenham blocked the move and may keep him as depth this month.
Evan Ferguson
December 2025
Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini publicly questioned Evan Ferguson’s impact after a narrow defeat to Juventus, saying the Republic of Ireland striker has not convinced him yet and that attacking wastefulness, rather than overall structure, cost his side in a tight top four showdown. Gasperini criticised poor final passes and said starters such as Dybala and Soule currently offer superior technical quality, challenging Ferguson and others to adapt faster and influence matches as Roma explore attacking upgrades ahead of a potentially important January window.
Nemanja Matic (Sassuolo)
August 2025
Sassuolo have signed Nemanja Matic on a free transfer until 2026, with an option for an extra year. The veteran Serbian midfielder returns to Serie A following spells at Roma and Lyon after mutually terminating his French contract. Matic, formerly of Manchester United and Chelsea, starred for Roma under Mourinho and later became key at Lyon before parting ways after one season. Sassuolo see his leadership and experience as crucial in stabilising their midfield this campaign.
Leon Bailey (Roma/Aston Villa)
August 2025
Leon Bailey’s Roma loan got off to a disastrous start as the winger suffered a muscle injury during his first training session. Initially welcomed by fans in Italy, Bailey could now miss three weeks, dampening excitement around his high-profile arrival. Bailey joined Roma on loan after struggling with form and injuries at Aston Villa despite bright spells, including their Champions League run. Early reports from Italy suggest his setback isn’t long-term, but it delays his chance to make an impact in Serie A.
