Roma’s summer feels more calculated than chaotic. The club is walking a financial tightrope with Financial Fair Play rules still biting, while trying to build a team that can compete now and grow later. The result: a transfer mix that pairs young talent with proven pros, managed carefully to keep the books intact.
Here is what they have for now.
Strategic loans: Betting on youth
Evan Ferguson is the player who has had all the headlines recently. The 20‑year‑old Irish striker joined Roma on a season-long loan from Brighton, with a €37‑million option to buy. Known for his early breakout, Ferguson struggled after an ACL injury and a goalless spell at West Ham. But manager Gian Piero Gasperini, renowned for reviving forwards like Duvan Zapata, sees him as a project worth the risk. Ferguson already made waves on his Roma debut, scoring a four-goal pre‑season hat‑trick and an assist in a 9‑0 friendly romp.
Another smart move: Daniele Ghilardi, a 22‑year‑old Italy U‑21 centre‑back from Hellas Verona. Roma is finalizing a loan‑with‑obligation deal worth around €10 million plus bonuses. Ghilardi provides a physical, composed presence Gasperini loves — strong in a high defensive line, calm in possession, and rich in upside.
These additions follow Roma’s trend of backing promising U‑21 players tied to long-term contracts like Niccolò Pisilli (contract through 2029) and boosting from within. It’s a long view, not all short-term gains, but they can change Roma’s games in season already.
Experience with purpose: Veteran picks that balance the books
Roma have also targeted experienced professionals who fill holes without breaking the budget. Ghilardi may be young, but on the senior front Gasperini also eyes solidity.
Wesley França from Flamengo joined Roma at the end of July. The 21‑year‑old Brazilian right wing-back signed a five‑year contract worth €25 million plus €5 million in potential add-ons. He’s already got two senior Brazil caps and helped Flamengo win the 2022 Copa Libertadores before featuring at this year’s Club World Cup.
Another smart addition, Devyne Rensch, the Dutch defender Roma picked up from Ajax for €5 million with a potential €1 million bonus back in January. Rensch is comfortable at right-back or in center defense, known for his calm passing, ability to support midfield buildup, and surprising attacking contributions —134 appearances, 10 goals, 8 assists with Ajax.
And Artem Dovbyk, who scored 17 goals last season, looks increasingly expendable. Roma may offload Dovbyk for around €40 million to clubs like West Ham or Leeds.
This way, Wesley gives Roma a youthful, attacking flank option welcoming European under pressure; Rensch offers rotation depth and technical assurance in defense. And Dovbyk can give the club a good balance in the books.
Strategy under FFP constraint
From a financial standpoint, these deals show Roma’s tightrope act under UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regime:
- Smart sales: Dovbyk, signed last summer for up to €38.5 million, is now valued at around €40 million by interested clubs like West Ham and Leeds. Offloading him will free crucial funds and balance the books.
- Targeted investments: Wesley’s €25m upfront (plus €5m in bonuses) and Rensch’s €5m deal (plus bonus) are high-upside buys, but all within strict limits, and offering future resale value or squad use under contract length.
- FFP compliance: Roma were fined €3m in July for slightly missing FFP intermediate targets. They must keep wage and transfer costs under 70% of revenue and cap aggregate losses at €60m for the 2024–25.
That’s why the Ferguson and Ghilardi loans make sense — they offer revenue-friendly access to talent. Meanwhile, letting Dovbyk go balances incoming costs and sets Roma within allowed thresholds before the June 30 audit deadline (they needed about €12–13m in capital gains to avoid further sanctions).
So, Roma’s strategy this summer is less headline chasing, more math and margin. Sell the big-money underperformers, invest in legally sustainable talent, and keep the club eligible for Europe. If it works, they’ll emerge with a squad that’s both competitive and compliant and ready for when financial freedom returns in 2026.
Final word
Roma’s 2025 transfer approach is a case study in restraint under pressure. They combine youth with players who bring experience and cover key gaps. If the youngsters break through and veterans hold their form, Roma will be ready to challenge for Champions League spots again, and everyone supporting the team can try their luck at https://sportbet.one/sports/soccer and bet with confidence.
