Roma stand at a crossroads. With ambition in their eyes and pressure, the question on every Giallorossi follower’s mind is: who should Roma sign in the coming windows to turn dreams into trophies? In this article, SaiKick will walk you through Roma’s current squad strengths and weaknesses, the tactical needs under the new coach, the most realistic targets on the market, and bold options that could change Roma’s trajectory in Serie A and Europe.
Roma’s current squad: strengths, gaps, and needs
Before proposing names, it’s crucial to understand where Roma are strong and where they remain vulnerable.
Strong base, but aging core and depth concerns
Roma’s squad features some pillars: Lorenzo Pellegrini offering leadership in midfield, Evan Ndicka as a defensive rock, and the attacking promise in Matías Soulé and Artem Dovbyk. The average age is still very competitive, but certain players stretch into their 30s, raising concerns for consistency across a full season.
Depth is also thin in certain positions. Versatility is valued—but too often Roma have been exposed when injuries hit. The departures, loans, and aging profiles create immediate demands.
Tactical shift under the coach and the system
Roma are under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, a coach known for intense pressing, wing play, and fluid transitions. To succeed in his system, Roma need:
- Wing-backs or wide defenders who can bomb forward and defend aggressively.
- A dynamic midfield that can switch between defensive cover and support attacks.
- Reliable goal-scoring options, especially in case of absence or cold spells.
- Ball-playing defenders who are comfortable under pressure and can build play, any new signing must not just be a star — but a fit for this demanding tactical template.
Realistic targets: who should Roma sign first
Here are some players currently linked to Roma who match both tactical and financial criteria.
Richard Rios
A central midfielder often mentioned in rumors, Richard Rios brings energy, physicality, and box-to-box range. The Brazilian has been praised for his ability to break lines, press, and contribute on both ends. Roma have reportedly prioritized him. He’d provide balance alongside Pellegrini or El Aynaoui.
Evan Ferguson (Brighton)
Roma have long made links to Evan Ferguson, a young striker with potential. Chiesa Di Totti]) His arrival could ease the burden on Dovbyk, provide competition, and inject youth into the front line. The question: can Roma afford his valuation?
Wesley França (Flamengo)
On the flank, Wesley is another name tied to Roma. Agile, offensively minded, and able to contribute down the line, he’d help bulwark Rome’s wing-play options.
Neil El Aynaoui (Lens)
As a more flexible midfield option, Neil El Aynaoui offers creativity, dribbling, and the ability to play in multiple roles. He’s floated as a backup or secondary target to Rios.
Jan Ziółkowski (Legia Warsaw / defender)
Roma’s defensive options have lacked a truly young, moldable asset. Jan Ziółkowski has been mentioned as a center-back prospect, likely to be a long-term bet. His arrival would signal Roma investing in the future as much as in today.
These targets represent a blend of need, possibility, and ambition. Roma should aim to secure at least two (a midfielder + attacking or defensive reinforcement).
Bold moves and wildcard ideas
Sometimes, Roma needs a spark — a marquee name that shifts attention and signals intent. Here are a few bolder ideas:
- Jadon Sancho (Manchester United): consistently rumored in the Roma orbit, Sancho would be a gamble — but with upside — on the wing.
- Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta): a strong, physical striker who could bring malice and presence. He’s been speculated among summer targets.
- Leon Bailey: already in the Roma squad, but heavily linked with moves involving Roma again. He could be repositioned or re-signed in a more permanent role.
- Victor Nelsson (signed on loan): Roma brought in Nelsson.
Bold moves carry risk — wages, adaptation, morale — but the right gamble can create excitement and belief in a project.
Positional priorities: where to invest
To maximize impact, Roma should prioritize these areas in this order of urgency:
| Priority | Position | Why It Matters |
| 1 | Defensive reinforcement (CB or LB) | To reduce dependency on aging defenders and improve defensive stability in transitions |
| 2 | Central midfield | To provide gas, balance, and distribution in a system that demands energy |
| 4 | Wing-back / wide defender | To support overlapping play and guard against wide attacks in Gasperini’s system |
If Roma can address at least the first two in a window, they will drastically improve their competitiveness in Serie A and Europe.
Risks and caveats
While ambition is admirable, Roma must tread carefully:
- Financial constraints: Roma must balance books, especially with UEFA regulations and wage structure. Overpaying or overextending is dangerous.
- Fit over name: Signing names that don’t suit Gasperini’s high-energy, positional play will backfire.
- Cohesion & adaptation: Integrating new faces mid-season or in big squads always risks chemistry disruption.
- Contract length & resale value: Prioritize younger options or those with upside so future sales or longevity are manageable.
Roma should avoid knee-jerk signings — it’s better to miss on a name than to bring someone who unsettles balance.
Action plan: next steps Roma should take
- Firm up primary targets (e.g. Rios + defender) and make early approaches.
- Enter negotiations for Nelsson to convert the loan into a full transfer.
- Actively monitor Sancho or other creative options as backups if initial plans face hurdles.
- Ensure signings match the Gasperini blueprint (pressingly capable, tactically flexible, high stamina).
- Plan rotational depth so injuries don’t unravel momentum mid-season.
Taken together, these steps give Roma both foundation and flair — the blend needed to challenge again.
Final Thoughts
Who should Roma sign is not just a query for speculation — it’s a litmus test for ambition, identity, and strategy. The ideal signings strike a balance between potential, readiness, and tactical fit. Roma must aim for midfield reinforcements like Richard Rios, attacking depth, and defensive bets like Jan Ziółkowski or Nelsson made permanent. Smart, targeted moves can push this squad.
Are you a Roma fan or just a curious strategist? Share your ideal signing in the comments, and stay tuned — because the next transfer window could define Roma’s path in Italy and Europe.
