Gasperini outlines Roma rebuild with key renewals and clearouts planned

With Gianluca Gasperini now fully empowered following the resolution of Daniele Ranieri's situation, AS Roma have begun planning their squad for next season in earnest. According to reports from Italy, the manager has identified a core group of players he wishes to retain and build around, while several others are set for a summer departure. The club's transfer strategy is now being shaped directly by Gasperini's vision.

At the heart of his plans are three experienced figures: Bryan Cristante, Gianluca Mancini, and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini. Gasperini reportedly values Cristante and Mancini from their shared time at Atalanta and views them as fundamental to his project. Both defenders were previously in line for contract extensions until the 2029 season, but those talks were paused under previous directives from the Friedkin ownership. With Gasperini's endorsement, those renewals are now expected to be reactivated.

The future of Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose current deal expires soon, has also brightened significantly. The Italian midfielder, a product of the Roma academy with a decade of senior service at the club, has developed a strong relationship with Gasperini. The coach has reportedly informed the club he considers Pellegrini, alongside Paulo Dybala, the squad's most technically gifted player and wishes to keep him. Negotiations are anticipated, likely on reduced terms from his current reported €6.5 million annual salary, for a potential two-year extension.

In defence, the club holds an option to extend the contract of Mario Hermoso for another year, which must be exercised by early May, and Gasperini is said to be keen on retaining the Spanish centre-back. However, a significant clearout is also underway in other areas of the squad. Stephan El Shaarawy, Kostas Tsimikas, Lewis Ferguson, and Bryan Zaragoza are all stated to be certain departures, with young midfielder Niccolò Venturino's future potentially dependent on the role of Tommaso Bogdanzi.

Further exits are expected as Roma look to balance the books. Striker Artem Dovbyk, who has reportedly struggled to connect with Gasperini's methods, is set to leave. The futures of several others remain uncertain, including Angeliño, who has struggled with form and fitness, Houssem El Aynaoui, who has failed to meet expectations, and Zeki Çelik, whose contract demands for a renewal are considered too high. Additionally, defenders Evan Ndicka and Koné could be sold to generate capital gains before the end of the financial year on June 30th.

This shift represents a notable pivot from earlier ownership signals suggesting a dismantling of the old guard. Gasperini has instead advocated for reinforcing, not rebuilding, the existing core, a stance underscored by his recent comments about the risks of discarding key players. The coming months will see Roma attempt to secure their desired renewals while executing a substantial overhaul in other positions to craft a squad fully aligned with the manager's philosophy.