The Eternal City buzzes with a new kind of anticipation as Gian Piero Gasperini settles into the coaching hot seat at AS Roma. While the pre-season scoreboard might suggest an overflowing sense of optimism – a recent friendly ended with a rather emphatic 14-0 victory – the true anxieties of the club`s new era are already bubbling to the surface, primarily centered around the notoriously fickle beast of the transfer market. Gasperini, known for his directness, isn`t wasting any time in sounding the alarm.
The first significant act of the Gasperini-Massara partnership has arrived in the form of Neil El Aynaoui, a Franco-Moroccan midfielder touching down at Fiumicino with the weight of expectation – and a fair bit of immediate skepticism – on his shoulders. Heralded as a dynamic “tuttocampista” – a player capable of excelling across the midfield – El Aynaoui joins from Lens in a deal reportedly worth around €25 million. He`s tasked with filling the void left by Paredes, a role that comes with its own unique pressure.
However, the path to his signing has been anything but smooth. Fans, it seems, had a different player in mind: Richard Rios, the Colombian midfielder from Palmeiras. The collective disappointment over Rios`s eventual move to Benfica was palpable, culminating in El Aynaoui`s social media accounts being inundated with critical comments, forcing the young player to restrict them. It`s a rather premature baptism by fire, a stark reminder that in Rome, every incoming player faces an immediate referendum. The irony, of course, is that a club renowned for its passionate support has effectively given its first major signing a less-than-warm welcome before he`s even kicked a ball.
But El Aynaoui`s arrival is merely the opening chapter in Roma`s summer saga. The club`s focus remains firmly fixed on bolstering Gasperini`s squad. Excitement is building around Evan Ferguson, the promising 2004-born Irish striker, whose move appears to be on the cusp of completion. A loan deal with a reported €40 million option to buy suggests Roma is making a significant investment in their future attack. Meanwhile, the pursuit of Wesley continues, with the Brazilian full-back reportedly pushing hard for a move from Flamengo. Despite resistance from his current club, Roma remains optimistic, a necessary trait in the often-protracted world of football negotiations.
Yet, amidst these maneuvers, Gasperini has made his concerns known, albeit subtly. Following that lop-sided friendly win, he conveyed a clear message to the club`s hierarchy and the media: “Unfortunately, there have been a few issues, and we are certainly a bit behind in the market. Compared to last season, we have many defections because several players have left.” When pressed about his level of worry, his response was concise and telling: “A bit, yes…” He quickly added, “The league starts in less than a month, but I`m sure everything will be done.” This isn`t the sound of a coach content with progress; it`s a polite, yet firm, directive for urgency.
The clock is ticking for AS Roma. Gasperini`s vision for the team, his tactical acumen, and his ability to galvanize a squad are well-documented. However, as the pre-season progresses and the Serie A kickoff approaches, the success of this new era will hinge significantly on the club`s capacity to deliver the reinforcements their new coach deems essential. The transfer window is a high-stakes game of poker, and Gasperini has just raised the pot. Roma`s hand, it seems, is still very much being dealt.