Roma have secured their new starting goalkeeper by acquiring Rui Patricio from Wolverhampton. The Giallorossi quickly identified him as the top target for the position after appointing José Mourinho. However, the Euro and the prolonged negotiation with the English club postponed the signing. He agreed to a three-year contract.
Roma paid €11.5M to buy him. Patricio spent the last 3 years in the Premier League, accumulating 127 appearances. He has allowed 151 goals and kept 37 clean sheets with the Wanderers. He previously played for 11 full seasons at Sporting CP.
Roma tracked Juan Musso, Pierluigi Gollini, and other Serie A options before hiring the Special One. However, the coach preferred a more established and experienced option and suggested the 33-year-old. The two have the same agent, Jorge Mendes. Patricio has been a long-time starter for Portugal, amassing 97 caps over the years and contributing to the victory in the 2016 Euro and the 2019 Nations League. He has won 3 domestic cups and 3 super cups in his home country.
Roma have had instability in the role in the last season. They have parted ways with both previous goalkeepers. Pau Lopez has transferred to Olympique Marseille on an initial loan with €12 conditioned obligation to buy, while Antonio Mirante is currently out of contract. They will move on from Robin Olsen as well, who is back in the Italian Capital after a loan spell at Everton. Their last starter to last more than 2 seasons between the sticks was Doni, from 2005 to 2008, then losing the job to Julio Sergio.