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Watts, Barnaba taking on increased roles under Friedkin

John Solano
I

RomaPress – He was the man who led talks during the arrival of several FrIedkin Groups executives in Rome last February and is now the one who has seen his role significantly expand over recent weeks.

Marc Watts, the President of The Friedkin Group and one of the closest confidants of Roma President Dan Friedkin, has seen his responsibilities increase dramatically since the group’s takeover of the club in August.

A source from the Friedkin Group has confirmed to RomaPress that Watts, who was officially appointed to Roma’s Board of Directors two weeks ago, has played a very hands-on role at the club over the last few months. Dan Friedkin has slowly been transitioning Watts away from his duties at The Friedkin Group in Houston in order for him to focus almost entirely on Roma-related matters.

The American executive was heavily involved with the financial and contractual aspects of Roma’s summer transfer market and played a key role in the contracts handed to both Marash Kumbulla and Chris Smalling.

Watts has also been heavily involved with the club’s hierarchy realignment and has also been present during meetings for Roma’s sporting director search, which included a summit with Ralf Rangnick.

Meanwhile, one of Friedkin’s closest advisors throughout the last calendar year, Alessandro Barnaba, a Roman banker and Romanista, has also seen his influence at the club increase.

Barnaba, who spent nearly 25 years with JP Morgan, has been heavily relied upon by both Ryan and Dan Friedkin and has also been influential in Roma’s sporting director search.

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MatchDay 29
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