As the summer transfer window approaches, AS Roma face a crucial period in their future. After missing out on the UEFA Champions League qualification, the Giallorossi also missed out on a €50 million windfall, which could hinder them when it comes to contract renewals and new signings. Meanwhile, new manager Daniele De Rossi will also want to stamp his authority on the team rather than using players signed by predecessor Jose Mourinho, which means the summer will be a massive one in the eternal city.
Throughout the summer, most eyes will be on UEFA Euro 2024. But while the eyes of the world are on Germany, De Rossi will be determining how he can strengthen his Roma side ahead of an assault on the Serie A top four. Bookmakers don’t consider the Giallorossi contenders to win the Scudetto next term, despite the fact that sites such as DraftKings haven’t yet posted odds on the 2024/25 campaign. You can always use a website like Oddschecker to find the best odds on the Italian top flight, while it also compares top promotions that are currently running.
There’s no shortage of players out of contract at the Stadio Olimpico this summer. Two of those are loanees Diego Llorente and Renato Sanches, who the club have agreed to buy on permanent deals at the expiration of their loans. There is no such obligation however with the club’s five other loanees, or two veterans whose contracts are up.
Here’s every player out of contract at Roma this summer.
Loan Players Returning to Parent Clubs
Romelu Lukaku’s loan spell at AS Roma has been a mixed bag. After joining from Chelsea, the Belgian striker’s presence was expected to bolster the team’s attacking options significantly. Lukaku delivered some decent performances and netted 21 goals across all competitions. However, his massive wage demands could stop the club from bringing him to the Olimpico permanently, even though he’s out of contract at Stamford Bridge and available for free.
Iranian forward Sardar Azmoun shot to prominence thanks to his goal-scoring prowess in the Russian Premier League with Zenit Saint Petersburg. He made the move to Bayer Leverkusen two years ago but, unfortunately, his goalscoring ways remained in Russia. Azmoun hasn’t been able to rediscover his form either in Italy, either. He won’t be missed.
Danish right-back Rasmus Kristensen arrived on loan from Leeds United last summer, bringing defensive solidity and attacking support down the flank. His adaptability and work rate made him a valuable asset under Mourinho but he has featured much less under De Rossi. Kristensen will return to England, but whether he plays in the second tier with the Yorkshire club next term remains to be seen.
Young Dutch center-back Dean Huijsen’s loan from Juventus was seen as a developmental move, giving the player much-needed first team experience. He played a big role throughout the campaign, with his main spell in the first team coming at the turn of the year. Unfortunately, his future almost certainly lies away from the Eternal City.
Angeliño has been a mainstay in the first team since signing on loan from Galatasaray in January. His crossing ability and set-piece expertise added a new dimension to Roma’s left-hand side. He may well return at the culmination of his current deal after falling out of favor in Istanbul.
Rui Patricio
Veteran goalkeeper Rui Patricio has been a reliable presence between the sticks since he arrived at Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free transfer in 2021. At 36, the Portuguese international’s experience and leadership have been invaluable for the Roma defense, leading the club to two European finals in as many years. However, with his contract expiring this summer, the club faces a pivotal decision.
One factor that should make that choice easier is that the former Sporting Lisbon man was dropped from the first team back in February, with De Rossi preferring Serban shot-stopper Mile Svilar. The 24-year-old proved that the decision was justified and now the former number one may well leave the club altogether. His wage demands are thought to be far higher than the Serb’s and a move back to Portugal or perhaps Saudi Arabia could be on the cards.
Leonardo Spinazzola
Leonardo Spinazzola’s journey at Roma has been marked by both brilliant performances and frustrating injuries. The Italian international was perhaps the finest wingback on the planet three years ago. He was one of the stars of the show as the Azzurri reached the Euro 2020 final, even managing to lift the trophy with a penalty shootout victory against England at Wembley. However, his time since has been ruined by injury woes.
Offering him a new deal certainly represents a risk. Whether he can return to full fitness remains to be seen. However, at the age of 31, he certainly has a couple of years remaining at the elite level. Plus, with a couple of injury-hit campaigns under his belt, his wage demands will surely be far less than they were in the summer of 2021.
