After guiding Roma towards their first continental trophy, José Mourinho only needed one season in the Italian Capital to cement himself a “Special” spot within the club’s archives. However, it wasn’t all roses for the Portuguese tactician on his returning campaign to the peninsula. In fact, the manager famously declared at one point that he only has 13 useful players in his squad.
Of course his assessment may have changed over the course of the season, but his point remains valid, as the Giallorossi do need to work on improving their squad depth. But before doing so, sporting director Tiago Pinto must first clean the closet and get rid of those who are deemed surplus to requirements.
So let’s take a look at five players who need to leave Roma in the upcoming summer transfer market.
Marash Kumbulla (Center-Back)
After enjoying a great breakthrough campaign at Verona, Roma decided to splash the cash for Marash Kumbulla, paying around 30 million euros for the young defender.
But after spending two campaigns in the Eternal City under the tutelage of Paulo Fonseca and Mourinho, the Albanian’s development halted and has been unable to replicate the promising form that prompted his big-money switch.
even though dropping the ball on the 22-year-old might be premature at this point, Roma are losing value on their investment with every forgettable season he spends at the Olimpico Stadium.
Therefore, if a decent proposal arises, the management shouldn’t stand in the young defender’s way.
Matias Vina (Left-Back)
Due to Leonardo Spinazzola’s ACL injury, Roma identified Matias Vina as a capable replacement. But following an encouraging start to the campaign, the Uruguayan’s form eventually regressed, and by the latter stages, he had lost his starting spot in favor of the young Nicola Zalewski.
So with Spinazzola healthy once again, and Zalewski pushing for a regular spot, Vina will be the odd man out on the left flank. Even Stephan El-Shaarawy proved to be an option for the role.
At the age of 24, time is still on the side of the former Palmeiras man, but perhaps he needs to find himself a new destination.
Amadou Diawara (Central Midfielder)
Some relationships are just never meant to flourish. Perhaps it’s case of Roma and Amadou Diawara.
Remember the infamous registration incident from 2020 which culminated in an administrative defeat to Bologna? Of course it wasn’t the player’s fault, but it serves as a perfect metaphor to describe the Guinean’s time in the Italian capital.
The former Napoli man still has contract until 2024, but his stint with the Giallorossi must be cut short for everyone’s sake.
Jordan Veretout (Central Midfielder)
During the start of the season, little had changed for Jordan Veretout who continued to act as a pillar in the middle of the park. However, Mourinho slowly but surely fell out of love with the Frenchman, and the final stroke came with the arrival of Sergio Oliveira in the middle of the season.
Therefore, the former Fiorentina man is no longer a favorite at Roma, but remains a reputable midfielder who can easily attract a host of suitors while providing the club’s coffers with some funds for the hot transfer market.
Nicolò Zaniolo (Winger)
Definitely the most controversial choice on the list. The 22-year-old remains one of the most exciting talent in his generation and has consolidated his place in the club’s history books by scoring the winning goal in the final of the Europa Conference League.
So why would Roma sell Zaniolo?
Well, the answer lies in the player’s plans for the future. The versatile star has a contract until 2024, but appears unwilling to sign an extension, unless it includes a significant pay rise.
Thus, if the club’s directors are unable to put his signature on a new deal, their best option would be placing the Italian on the transfer list and hope for an interesting bid, because his value will only drop once the expiry date of his contract approaches.