Roma’s deadline-day pursuit of Jamie Leweling ended without an agreement, while Gian Piero Gasperini blocked Chelsea’s attempt to sign Manu Koné.
Roma’s summer transfer window ended without the additional winger Gian Piero Gasperini had requested, despite a dramatic final push for Jamie Leweling.
The Giallorossi also explored moves for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Luiz Henrique and Juan David Cabal, while resisting Chelsea’s interest in Manu Koné. Neil El Aynaoui and Robinio Vaz completed loan departures after the deadline-day paperwork was finalized.
Leweling changes his mind too late
Roma and Stuttgart had reportedly reached an agreement worth approximately €30 million plus €4 million to €5 million in bonuses for Leweling.
According to Alfredo Pedullà, the clubs had agreed the transfer on Monday and were preparing the necessary documents. The player’s representatives had also approved the proposed move before Leweling unexpectedly asked for additional time to consider his future.
The German international initially decided to remain at Stuttgart, prompting Roma to turn their attention elsewhere. However, the situation changed again on deadline day when Leweling reportedly reopened the door to joining the Giallorossi.
Roma improved their offer to the player and arranged a private plane that could have transported him to the Italian capital. Despite the renewed push, there was insufficient time to organize the flight, complete his medical examinations and register the transfer before the deadline.
The operation was eventually abandoned, leaving Leweling at Stuttgart.
Political and banking issues halt Luiz Henrique deal
Roma also came close to signing Luiz Henrique from Zenit St. Petersburg.
The Giallorossi had reportedly reached an agreement with both the Russian club and the Brazilian winger, who had made Roma his preferred destination. A package worth approximately €35 million had been discussed during the negotiations.
However, Pedullà reported that complications connected to Russia, international restrictions and banking transactions prevented the clubs from completing the operation.
Roma subsequently placed the Luiz Henrique deal on hold while prioritizing Leweling. By the time the Stuttgart winger reconsidered his decision, there was no longer enough time to revive the Zenit negotiations.
Chelsea resist Gittens loan after ownership talks
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens remained another possible option during the final days of the window.
According to Pedullà, Roma made another attempt to sign the English winger three days before the deadline. Chelsea reportedly offered a partial opening to a loan following direct discussions between the ownership groups.
However, Chelsea never provided the definitive approval required to complete the operation. Fabrizio Romano later reported that the Premier League club’s position had not changed and that Gittens would not be allowed to leave on loan.
The possibility of an exchange involving Koné and Gittens was also firmly denied.
Gasperini blocks Chelsea move for Koné
Chelsea contacted Roma during the closing stages of the window to explore a move for Koné.
Reports suggested that discussions had progressed, but Gasperini considered the French international untouchable and refused to approve his departure. Roma’s ownership ultimately supported the coach’s position and rejected Chelsea’s approach.
Pedullà claimed that Chelsea’s attempt to sign Koné also contributed to the collapse of the wider discussions concerning Gittens.
With the market now closed, Koné remains at Roma as a central part of Gasperini’s project.
Roma explored late move for Juan David Cabal
Roma also made an enquiry about Juventus defender Juan David Cabal during the final hours of the window.
The Colombian was reportedly attracted by the possibility of joining Gasperini’s squad, but Juventus needed to secure a replacement before sanctioning his departure. The Bianconeri considered Nicolás Tagliafico, although Atlético Madrid’s interest complicated that possibility.
Roma were therefore unable to advance the proposed move for Cabal before the deadline.
Salah-Eddine rejects West Ham move
West Ham submitted a season-long loan offer for Anass Salah-Eddine and were prepared to reach an agreement with Roma.
The left-back ultimately decided against the transfer and did not board the flight arranged for England. As a result, Salah-Eddine remained in Italy when the major European transfer windows closed.
His situation could still be monitored in countries where the market remains open, although no alternative agreement has been reported.
El Aynaoui joins RB Leipzig
Roma officially confirmed Neil El Aynaoui’s departure after reaching an agreement with RB Leipzig.
The Moroccan midfielder joined the Bundesliga club on loan with an option to buy. Reports placed the loan fee at €3 million plus €1 million in bonuses, with a €28 million purchase option, additional bonuses and a future resale percentage.
El Aynaoui left Roma after making 35 appearances across all competitions and scoring two goals.
The move briefly appeared to be in doubt before Roma officially confirmed the transfer.
Vaz completes Hull City medical and joins Premier League side
Robinio Vaz also completed his move after undergoing his medical examinations with Hull City.
The agreement consists of a €2 million loan fee and a non-mandatory €30 million option to buy. Vaz gave his approval to the transfer after considering interest from several European clubs.
Mannini chooses Benevento
Mattia Mannini completed a move to Benevento after the Serie C club reached an agreement with Roma.
Casertana had also expressed interest in the versatile academy product, but Benevento secured the player on loan with an option to buy.
The clubs exchanged the required documents after Benevento moved ahead of Casertana.
Roma finish window without another winger
Roma strengthened several areas of Gasperini’s squad during the summer but were unable to deliver the final attacking addition requested by the coach.
Leweling came closest to arriving, while Luiz Henrique and Gittens represented credible alternatives that ultimately proved impossible to complete.
The Giallorossi retained Koné but finished the window with limited depth on the left side of the attack. Gasperini must now work with the available squad until the market reopens in January.
Leave a Reply