Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has called for urgent acceleration in the transfer market after losing Zeki Celik to Juventus on a free transfer, while defending the club’s refusal to break its wage structure to sign high-profile targets.
Market Delays and Financial Discipline
Gasperini admitted that Roma have been slower than rivals in conducting business, attributing part of the delay to the unusual calendar caused by the World Cup and the recent appointment of sporting director Florent D’Amico in June. “The Roma diesel engine goes the distance,” he said, insisting that owner Ryan Friedkin would now help the club shift gears.
The coach confirmed that approaches for Mason Greenwood and Crysencio Summerville were abandoned because both players demanded wages that exceeded the club’s ceiling. “Are they profiles suited to Roma’s resources?” he asked. “Evidently not.” Gasperini explained that this was a strategic choice rather than a lack of funds, arguing the policy protects the dressing room hierarchy. He noted it would be unfair for new arrivals to surpass the earnings of players who secured Champions League qualification last season.
Squad Building and Contract Talks
Despite these financial constraints, Gasperini is demanding “the famous three or four quality signings” to bolster wide positions alongside Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala. The departure of Celik, whose contract expired, has reduced defensive options at a time when the coach wants greater depth to compete on multiple fronts.
Contract negotiations present a mixed picture. Centre-backs Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante have already committed their futures to the club, but captain Lorenzo Pellegrini remains in talks. Gasperini hopes the injured midfielder will reject reported interest from Juventus to extend his stay in the capital.
The coach also conceded that a significant player sale might be necessary to generate transfer funds. “It will be difficult,” Gasperini admitted, adding that the club would explore every avenue to avoid a major departure and remain “freer in its investments.” Roma face a race against time to satisfy Gasperini’s demands before the window closes, with the coach convinced that the right additions will make the squad stronger despite losing Celik to a direct rival.