Last week, José Mourinho made his long-awaited landing in Rome, and was greeted like a rock star by the Giallorossi fans. Following some forgettable spells in the Premier League in the last few years, the Portuguese tactician will try to reignite his career in the eternal city. Nonetheless, those who know the fiery atmosphere around the club would tell you that it won’t be an easy task at all for the Special one, who will need the management’s utmost support. So let’s have a look at four players that Roma need to buy in this summer transfer market.
Goalkeeper: Rui Patricio (Wolverhampton)
After two unconvincing campaigns in the Italian capital, Pau Lopez will rightfully leave the club this summer, heading towards Olympique Marseille, whilst his backup, Antonio Mirante, saw his contract expiring by the end of the season.
Therefore, La Lupa is set to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, and all the expectations are indicating towards Rui Patricio.
After the departure of manager Nuno Espirito Santo, Wolverhampton’s Portuguese block could be set to disband, but the former Sporting man would find some compatriots in Rome (Mourinho and sporting direction Tiago Pinto)
The 33-year-old would be switching from the Wolves to La Lupa, and Roma should finally have the safe pair of hands that they have been seeking for years.
? AS Roma are set to sign Wolves GK Rui Patricio in a deal worth €13m (€10m + €3m add ons).?? (@FabrizioRomano) #ASRoma #WWFC ? pic.twitter.com/V0MYgkWhx7
— Football Cvlture (@FootballCVLTURE) July 5, 2021
Left-Back: Tommaso Augello (Samdoria)
In Leonardo Spinazzola, the Giallorossi boasted of having one the best left-backs (or left wingbacks) in Serie A. However, the Italian suffered an unfortunate Achilles tendon injury at Euro 2020 that will rule him out for several months.
Thus, an adequate replacement will be needed, and a never-ending list of potential targets has been drawn in the media.
Whilst the likes of Emerson Palmieri, Marcos Alonso, Federico Di Marco and Cristiano Biraghi have all been liked with moves to Roma – amongst others – Tommaso Augello is our own personal pick.
Like Spinazzola, the Sampdoria man spent his earlier years in the shadows, but is now slowly making a name for himself.
The 26-year-old is always ready to support the attacks and possesses a fine cross, and only needs to be given an opportunity to shine on a bigger stage.
Plenty of teams in Serie A have worse left backs than Tommaso Augello who continues to provide a spark to Sampdoria
— David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) March 14, 2021
Central Midfielder: Granit Xhaka (Arsenal)
Mourinho is undoubtedly one of the most controversial coaches in history, and he is set to be united with a player of a notorious reputation of his own.
Granit Xhaka is expected to end his love-hate affair with Arsenal and embark on a new adventure in Serie A.
Blessed with a good vision and always willing to get his hands dirty, the Swiss can be a complete midfielder – at least if he manages to maintain his composure – and would form a formidable duo with captain Lorenzo Pellegrini.
José Mourinho will arrive tomorrow in Rome… and AS Roma are moving on transfers. Talks ongoing to complete Xhaka deal, Rui Patricio set to join this week on permanent deal from Wolves. ? #ASRoma
Cengiz Ünder and Pau López will join OM on loan with buy option, almost done.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 1, 2021
Winger: Domenico Berardi (Roma)
Mourinho’s squads had always heavily relied on wingers, but his new team might be lacking in this department – unless he’s willing to bet on Pedro’s aging legs.
Since his breakout season in 2014, Domenico Berardi had always been tipped to leave Sassuolo in pursuit for money, fame and trophies. But for one reason or another, the talented winger would always remain at the Mapei Stadium.
This summer, the Azzurri star will turn 27, and perhaps it’s time for him to start playing for a team that aspires for a little bit more than a Top 7 spot and the pleasure of playing some entertaining football.
Coincidently, the same can be said about Roma as a whole, and perhaps the player and the club can help raising one another’s status starting next season.
Liverpool and Tottenham in Domenico Berardi transfer war amid Euro 2020 https://t.co/PBvPHOdKmb
— Irish Sun Sport (@IrishSunSport) July 3, 2021