Roma still appear to be one attacking player short, but several recognizable free agents remain available. We assess which players would best fit Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad.
Roma completed most of their summer business but failed to sign the versatile attacking winger requested by Gian Piero Gasperini.
Sporting director Tony D’Amico acknowledged that the squad is “slightly short” and confirmed that the club could evaluate the free-agent market. However, he did not reveal whether Roma are currently negotiating with any available player.
“Free agents? We’ll evaluate it. We’ll see what the list of available players presents, but we’ll assess it later,” D’Amico said during his first press conference as Roma sporting director.
With that in mind, here are the available players who could make the most sense for Roma.
1. Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho would be the clearest stylistic solution to Roma’s unfinished business.
The English winger can operate from the left, create chances in one-on-one situations and move into central areas behind the striker. Those qualities would address the profile Roma pursued throughout the summer.
At 26, Sancho should still have several seasons at the highest level ahead of him. Transfermarkt values him at €18 million, making him the most valuable player on the free-agent list.
The problem would be financial. Sancho’s salary expectations and potential signing bonus could make an agreement extremely difficult under Roma’s UEFA restrictions. His defensive intensity would also need to meet Gasperini’s demands.
Roma fit: 8/10
2. Wilfried Zaha
Wilfried Zaha represents another natural option for the left side of Roma’s attack.
He can beat defenders, carry the ball forward and provide a direct threat in transition. His experience would allow him to contribute immediately without requiring a lengthy development period.
At 33, Zaha would be a short-term solution rather than a long-term investment. Roma would also need to evaluate his physical condition and willingness to accept a suitable salary.
Roma fit: 7.5/10
3. Raphaël Guerreiro
Raphaël Guerreiro would provide experience and technical quality on the left.
He can operate as a full-back, wing-back or midfielder and would offer Gasperini another solution in a position that Roma tried to strengthen during the window.
His age and physical profile may make him less suitable for the demanding wing-back role, but his versatility could still make him a useful squad option.
Roma fit: 7/10
4. Yves Bissouma
Yves Bissouma would bring athleticism, ball-winning ability and experience to Roma’s midfield.
His physical qualities appear compatible with Gasperini’s aggressive style, and he could help the team compete in demanding Champions League matches. Roma, though, already have several options in his position and are more urgently lacking an attacker.
His potential salary could also be difficult to accommodate.
Roma fit: 6.5/10
5. Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling would give Roma experience, pace and the ability to play across the attacking line.
He is comfortable on the left but can also operate from the right or closer to the striker. That versatility closely resembles the type of attacking addition D’Amico said Roma wanted before the deadline.
Sterling’s experience in the Premier League and Champions League would also benefit a squad competing on three fronts. As with Sancho, however, his wages would be the primary obstacle.
Roma fit: 6.5/10
6. Ismaël Bennacer
Roma’s most obvious need is in attack, but Ismaël Bennacer could offer an intriguing opportunity in midfield.
The former Milan player understands Serie A and would add technical quality, press resistance and control in possession. He could provide an alternative to Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné and Marten de Roon during a demanding season.
His recent physical record would require careful evaluation, while signing another midfielder may not be Roma’s immediate priority.
Roma fit: 5/10
7. Oleksandr Zinchenko
Oleksandr Zinchenko could provide cover in two areas by playing as a left-back, wing-back or central midfielder.
Roma did not sign the natural left-sided wing-back Gasperini initially wanted, making Zinchenko’s versatility potentially useful. His technical ability would also help the team progress the ball from deeper positions.
The main question is whether he possesses the defensive strength and physical intensity required to play as a wing-back in Gasperini’s system.
Roma fit: 5/10
8. Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial could offer cover on the left wing and through the middle.
His versatility would help Roma manage the workload of Donyell Malen, Santiago Castro and the attacking midfielders. He also has experience playing at the highest level and would arrive without a transfer fee.
Injuries and inconsistency make him a considerable risk, however. Roma would need a highly favorable contract to make the move worthwhile.
Roma fit: 4/10
Other Available Names
Several other prominent players remain available, but they would be less obvious fits for Roma’s current needs.
Riyad Mahrez possesses enormous technical quality but is now 35 and may not provide the defensive work rate Gasperini expects from his attacking players. Mauro Icardi and Karim Benzema would add goals, but Roma already strengthened at centre-forward with Castro.
Marcelo Brozović, Paul Pogba, Philippe Coutinho and Georginio Wijnaldum are recognizable midfield options, although age, wages, physical condition or tactical suitability would raise concerns.
Diogo Leite, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal could reinforce the defence, but Roma already added Leonardo Balerdi and Konstantinos Koulierakis during the summer. Joselu would also appear unnecessary unless Roma suffered an injury crisis in attack.
Sancho Would Be the Best Fit—If Roma Can Afford Him
From a purely tactical perspective, Sancho appears to be the best match for Roma’s remaining need. He is a natural attacking winger, can play from the left and would add the creativity and one-on-one ability missing from the squad.
Sterling and Zaha would represent experienced alternatives, while Zinchenko could help solve Roma’s lack of a natural left-sided wing-back.
Financial conditions will ultimately be decisive. A free transfer does not mean a player is inexpensive, with salaries, commissions and signing bonuses capable of making these deals more costly than they initially appear.
There is currently no confirmation that Roma are negotiating with any of these players. The club may evaluate the available options, but it could also preserve its resources and wait until January to pursue a younger long-term target.
Source: Transfermarkt
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