Nahuel Molina has completed his transfer from Atlético Madrid to AS Roma for an initial fee of €13 million, with performance-related bonuses potentially taking the total value to approximately €17 million. The Argentina international has signed a contract until June 2030, reuniting him with Serie A and several international teammates.
Molina’s enthusiasm for Roma return
The 28-year-old expressed immediate delight at his return to Italy. Speaking to Roma’s official channels, he said he felt “at home immediately” and thanked the coach and club for their strong interest in securing his signature. He revealed that conversations with fellow Argentina internationals Paulo Dybala and Santiago Castro influenced his decision, noting that these existing relationships would help him settle quickly.
Molina has selected the number 20 shirt, explaining that he sought a fresh start to provide new motivation. “I wanted something new, a new beginning,” he remarked, adding that a change can help drive performance.
Champions League return
The move comes as Roma prepare for their return to the Champions League after a seven-year absence. Molina, a World Cup winner with Argentina, welcomed the opportunity to compete at that level again. He described the tournament as fantastic and stressed the importance of the club’s participation.
On the pitch, he is expected to offer versatility across the defensive line, having operated both as a traditional right-back and within a three-man system.
Background and departure from Madrid
Molina previously spent two seasons with Udinese between 2020 and 2022, registering 10 goals in 68 appearances before moving to Spain. Atlético Madrid paid approximately €12 million to sign him, according to some sources, though other reports place the figure closer to €20 million. During his time in Madrid, he made 46 appearances in the 2025-26 campaign but gradually fell behind Marcos Llorente and Marc Pubill in Diego Simeone’s tactical plans.
His departure allows Atlético to reinvest in defensive reinforcements, with director of football Mateu Alemany reportedly targeting a top-level centre-back. Boca Juniors, who developed Molina as a youth player, will receive approximately €500,000 through the FIFA solidarity mechanism once the transfer is formally registered.
At Roma, Molina joins an increasingly Argentine contingent that includes Dybala, new signing Santiago Castro, and Matías Soulé.