Both Roma and Juventus are looking to boost their defensive lines for the second half of the season, and an ideal situation could materialize to satisfy their respective needs.
Juventus have officially reached agreement with Samuel Iling Junior, who extended his contract until 2025. The Bianconeri struck a deal before things got hairy. His previous one would have expired in June. The brass plot to offer Roma a swap, but they could also elevate Tommaso Barbieri to deputize Juan Cuadrado.
Roma and Rick Karsdorp are far from being on the same page, with the Dutch fullback set to leave the club come January when the winter transfer window reopens.
Rick Karsdorp answered the call-up and resumed training with his teammates on Monday. He had refused to do so about three weeks ago after a falling out with José Mourinho and didn’t take part in Roma’s short trip to Japan. The fullback decided to show up to avoid fines.
Hector Bellerin has been linked to a possible move to Roma amid the ongoing Rick Karsdorp saga. However, he’s unlikely to transfer in January. Their director Jordy Cruyff hinted in a recent interview that they wished to keep everybody, even those that haven’t played all that much so far.
Roma wish to find a solution to offload Rick Karsdorp, but they don’t want to give him away or let him go on loan. The Giallorossi need a sale to fund some additions, especially his replacement on the wing or a midfielder, also due to the Financial Fair Play restrictions.
Juventus intend to find a new right wing-back in January to join Juan Cuadrado and eventually take over the starting job in the future. They have added new names to their shortlist, but their search is in its early stages. They added a few Serie A names to their shortlist.
Roma will attempt to shore up their squad in January, but the financial restriction imposed by UEFA don’t give them much room. They’ll have to sell before signing somebody, but José Mourinho asked for multiple pieces. Considering the investment, Davide Frattesi is more likely to join in the summer.
Mourinho earlier hit out at an unnamed Roma player for his ‘unprofessional behavior’ during the Sassuolo clash, which was rightfully presumed by Italian media to be Rick Karsdorp.
Roma are open to partying ways with Rick Karsdorp after José Mourinho showed him the door, but they don’t want to simply loan him out. They wish to monetize on his departure or, at worst, include an obligation to buy in the deal. They have been offered a few players to replace him.
Rick Karsdorp wasn’t part of the match-day squad for Sunday’s match versus Torino after José Mourinho targeted him in a rant last week. The fullback practiced regularly afterward, but he wasn’t available. He left Italy with his family early, moving up his vacation. CEO Tiago Pinto addressed the controversy Sunday.
José Mourinho singled out one member of the squad, without naming him, for the way he performed while commenting on the 1-1 draw with Sassuolo in his post-game remarks: "Our effort wasn’t rewarded. We were betrayed by one player that didn’t act as a professional."