From Rome With Power: Roma Strengthen Squad for Domestic and European Glory
Roma have had a transformative summer transfer window, shaking up their squad as they prepare for a fresh assault on Serie A and European competitions. The Giallorossi have focused on strengthening their defense and midfield while adding exciting attacking options. Among the most eye-catching signings is Brazilian right-back Wesley França, who arrives from Flamengo. At just 21 years old, França is an attack-minded full-back who impressed at the Club World Cup and is expected to inject pace and creativity from the flanks. Sporting director Ricky Massara sees him as a crucial addition to manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactical plans.
The midfield has been bolstered with the acquisition of Moroccan talent Neil El Aynaoui from Lens. The son of former tennis star Younes El Aynaoui, the 20-year-old will wear the No. 8 shirt and is expected to bring energy, versatility, and creativity to Roma’s engine room. Another significant defensive addition is Polish centre-back Jan Ziolkowski, signed from Legia Warsaw on a five-year deal. At 21, Ziolkowski is highly rated for his aerial ability and composure under pressure, giving Roma depth and competition in the backline. Complementing these arrivals, former Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas joins on a season-long loan, providing experience and familiarity with high-intensity European football.
Roma have also strengthened their attacking options. Jamaican winger Leon Bailey arrives from Aston Villa on loan with a purchase option. The 25-year-old brings pace, direct running, and goal-scoring potential to the Eternal City. Young Italian centre-back Daniele Ghilardi, previously on loan at Verona, joins to provide defensive depth and future potential, while Colombian goalkeeper Devis Vásquez, formerly at Milan, signs a two-year deal to challenge for the starting spot between the posts. Additionally, Polish teenage goalkeeper Radoslaw Zelezny moves from Juventus, reflecting Roma’s commitment to nurturing young talent. A key loan acquisition is Republic of Ireland forward Evan Ferguson from Brighton, who will look to reignite his career and provide a new attacking threat for Gasperini’s side.
On the outgoing front, Roma have said farewell to several players. French midfielder Enzo Le Fée makes a permanent move to Sunderland after helping the club secure promotion, while Swedish defender Samuel Dahl joins Benfica following an 18-appearance loan spell. Poland international Nicola Zalewski has transferred permanently to Inter, while Norwegian winger Ola Solbakken moves to Nordsjælland after limited opportunities in Rome. Midfielders Ebrima Darboe and Mattia Mannini, as well as defenders Anass Salah-Eddine, Pietro Boer, Matteo Plaia, and Lovro Golic, have been loaned out or transferred to lower-tier clubs to gain first-team experience. Veteran goalkeeper Renato Marin departs for Paris Saint-Germain, while former Uzbekistan forward Eldor Shomurodov joins Istanbul Basaksehir. Leandro Paredes returns to Boca Juniors, and English striker Tammy Abraham moves to Besiktas on loan with a conditional purchase option. Defensively, Serie A veteran Mats Hummels retires after one season in Rome.
This summer window reflects Roma’s dual strategy: immediate reinforcement and long-term squad planning. The blend of young talent, proven performers, and strategic loan deals aims to give Gasperini a balanced and competitive squad capable of challenging at both domestic and continental levels. Fans in the Eternal City can expect a team that is faster, more dynamic, and tactically versatile, with fresh attacking options and solid defensive reinforcements. The integration of new signings like Wesley França, Neil El Aynaoui, Jan Ziolkowski, and Leon Bailey will be key to Roma’s campaign, while strategic exits ensure financial flexibility and squad efficiency. As Serie A resumes, Roma supporters will be watching closely to see how quickly the new-look squad can gel and transform ambition into results on the pitch.
