Roma’s pursuit of Atletico Madrid’s Matteo Ruggeri has been bolstered by the Spanish club’s acquisition of Alejandro Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported €20 million. The move for Grimaldo, a former Valencia and Barcelona player, effectively diminishes Ruggeri’s chances of regular first-team football at Atletico, increasing the likelihood of a transfer.
Ruggeri had been awaiting clarity regarding his role at Atletico before making a decision on his future. Having made 47 appearances in his debut season in Spain, the Italian full-back now recognizes that he is unlikely to replicate that level of playing time next season. This situation has heightened his interest in a return to Italy, specifically to join Roma.
The potential move is particularly appealing as it would reunite Ruggeri with Gian Piero Gasperini, his former manager at Atalanta. Gasperini coached Ruggeri for four seasons, excluding a loan spell at Salernitana, and played a key role in developing the player’s career. Ruggeri himself has publicly expressed his gratitude for Gasperini’s guidance, stating in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport that he frequently speaks with his former coach and values his advice.
Atletico Madrid initially considered other options, including Marc Cucurella of Chelsea and Maxi Araujo of Sporting, but ultimately settled on Grimaldo due to cost and feasibility. This decision prompted Gasperini to intensify his efforts to sign Ruggeri. At Roma, Ruggeri would be expected to become the undisputed first-choice left-back, a certainty he currently lacks at Atletico. His arrival would also allow Roma manager Gasperini to deploy Wesley on the right flank, a position where the player is most comfortable. While Roma’s financial fair play situation currently restricts incoming transfers, Ruggeri’s move is now considered more attainable.
