While it wasn’t an easy ride by any means, Roma ended their first campaign with José Mourinho in the best possible manner by becoming the first club to lift the trophy of the newly-stablished Europa Conference League. This title happens to be the Giallorossi’s first ever European triumph. However, the club’s owners (the Friedkin family) have bigger aspirations for the future.
But in order to compete with the big boys in Italy, sporting director Tiago Pinto must lure some important names who can enhance the squad. Despite his eventual accomplishment, Mourinho had lamented the lack of depth on several occasions during the course of the season in his own “Special” way.
So let’s take a look at five playing positions that Roma must strengthen this summer.
Center Back
After starting the campaign in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Mourinho eventually switched towards a more cautious 3-4-2-1 lineup. Although his defensive pack somehow made it through, the squad lacks quality and depth in this particular department.
Chris Smalling showcased his experience with some commanding performances at the back, while Gianluca Mancini is a leader in the making. But this is where the positives end.
Despite being a regular feature at Roma, Roger Ibanez remains an error-prone center back who probably plays due to the lack of better options, while Marash Kumbulla’s progress has been put to a halt since making the switch to the Eternal City.
Nonetheless, Roma are yet to be seriously linked with defenders this summer, so for now, the best we can do is improvise with our own potential candidates.
Perhaps the Giallorossi should offer some competition for their hated rivals Lazio who are reportedly in talks for Verona for Nicolò Casale. The Italian has been gaining some attention recently, and he could be a decent option for Mourinho’s squad.
Another affordable option could be Daniele Rugani who might be sick and tired of sitting on the Juventus bench at this point.
Right Wingback
While the left flank could witness an interesting competition between Nicola Zalewski, Matias Vina and the returning Leonardo Spinazzola, the opposite flank remains significantly meager.
Rick Karsdorp might be one of the most underappreciated players in the league, but the Dutchman needs someone to alter with throughout the course of the campaign, while Bryan Reynolds is yet to prove his worth in the Italian capital and could be sent on loan, and the decision to bring in Ainsley Maitland-Niles last January eventually backfired.
Again, we still don’t have concrete candidates for the role. but perhaps someone like Hans Hateboer will decide to change air after several years in Bergamo, or maybe Pinto would try his luck for a young wingback like Raoul Bellanova who emerged to the scene at Cagliari last season.
Another possible option would be Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin who’s looking for a new niche after spending last campaign on loan at Real Betis.
Central Midfielder
This is a department that is witnessing a total revamp this summer. January signing Sergio Oliveira fell short of earning a permanent transfer, Henrikh Mkhitaryan is set to complete a switch to Inter, while Amadou Diawara will be shown the door following three disappointing seasons.
Moreover, Jordan Veretout is also on the outs after losing Mourinho’s favor. On the other hand, Bryan Cristante might be the lone survivor from the midfield revolution.
The Special One has been reunited with his old favorite Nemanja Matic who saw out his Man United contract, but the Serbian’s arrival won’t be enough to quench the tactician’s thrust for new midfielders.
Therefore, we can expect at least another addition to the department between now and the end of August, with the most compelling candidates for the moment being Juventus flop Arthur Melo (linked with an exchange deal that includes Nicolò Zaniolo), Chelsea wantaway Saul Niguez and Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz.
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Attacking Midfielder
In the current tactical scheme, Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini and his compatriot Zaniolo act the main supporting cast for Tammy Abraham.
However, Zaniolo’s future is anything but certain at the moment, and the two parties could end their collaboration this summer if the right offer arrives, while the likes of Carles Perez, Stephan El-Shaarawy and Eldor Shomurodov have offered little contribution.
Hence, the capital side is on the market looking for a new attacking midfielder, and the management has apparently set its sights on Real Madrid youngster Reinier Jesus, and could enquire for the 20-year-old’s services.
However, the Romans could attempt to sign a more established player and challenge Arsenal for Houssem Aaour. The 23-year-old has been repeatedly tipped to leave Lyon in the last few years, and Roma will be hoping to pounce on the situation at the right timing.