José Mourinho returned to Italy Sunday night ahead of the start of the Roma pre-season and decided not to voice his opinion on the transfer market. After a week in town, the Giallorossi will travel to Portugal, more precisely to Albufeira. They will spend about ten days there to kick the preparation into high gear and play some friendlies.
A few journalists welcomed the Special One at the airport. However, he sidestepped their questions, postponing his assessment to the first pre-game presser of 2022/2023 (via Corriere dello Sport).
“I will talk on August 13th.”
According to the publication, the gaffer hoped to have more certainties by now, but Roma have a host of question marks on the transfer market. They have signed just two players, Nemanja Matic and backup goalie Mile Svilar. Zeki Celik will be their third acquisition. He landed in the Italian capital Sunday to take the medicals and put pen to paper. The Portuguese coach wants two new midfielders and a center-back.
The Giallorossi are in advanced talks with Sassuolo for Davide Frattesi. But his arrival is not imminent. After some back-and-forth, the clubs have settled on Cristian Volpato as a partial makeweight. However, there is a gap on the figures. The future of Nicolò Zaniolo is the elephant in the room. Especially because his possible departure would bankroll multiple acquisitions.
Our Take on Mourinho, Roma and Their Transfer Market
The offseason is frustrating for coaches under normal circumstances, let alone in a year when it is compressed due to the early start stemming from the peculiar schedule. The Special One never ceases to play mind games to get what he wants. Still, it is evident that La Lupa is behind schedule, especially on the sales, but it is a widespread issue.