Roma have reportedly not abandoned their interest in Fenerbahçe defender Jayden Oosterwolde and could reopen negotiations during the January transfer window.
The Dutch defender came extremely close to joining Roma during the summer. He travelled to the Italian capital and underwent medical examinations, but the transfer collapsed after the club discovered that his injury was more serious than initially believed.
According to Corriere dello Sport, sporting director Tony D’Amico continues to monitor Oosterwolde’s recovery, while Gian Piero Gasperini remains interested in adding the versatile defender to his squad.
Oosterwolde’s Roma Transfer Collapsed After Medical Tests
Oosterwolde appeared ready to become a Roma player in August, with the clubs having progressed toward an agreement and the defender arriving for his medical.
Those examinations raised concerns about the muscular injury he had suffered while playing for Fenerbahçe. Roma subsequently withdrew from the operation because they could not establish a reliable recovery timetable.
The club’s caution was later justified. Oosterwolde underwent surgery in Finland at the beginning of September to repair a torn left hamstring and was given an estimated recovery period of approximately three months.
Roma will need firm guarantees regarding his physical condition before considering another attempt to sign him.
D’Amico Continues to Monitor Oosterwolde
Despite the failed summer transfer, Roma’s relationship with Oosterwolde has reportedly remained positive.
D’Amico has kept the defender on his list of possible reinforcements, while Gasperini had already approved his arrival before the original deal collapsed. The coach values Oosterwolde’s ability to operate as both a left-sided central defender and a wing-back.
A fully fit Oosterwolde could provide Roma with greater depth and physicality on the left side of Gasperini’s formation.
The 25-year-old also has previous experience in Italian football after representing Parma before moving to Fenerbahçe in January 2023.
Istanbul Meeting Keeps Roma Connection Alive
Further evidence that the relationship remains intact arrived during Roma’s Champions League trip to Istanbul.
Oosterwolde reportedly greeted several Roma players before the match against Fenerbahçe and also met Gasperini, members of his coaching staff and the club’s medical personnel.
The defender has previously expressed hope that he could eventually complete the move to the Italian capital.
January could now present both parties with a second opportunity, but any negotiations will depend primarily on Oosterwolde completing his rehabilitation and demonstrating that he has fully recovered from surgery.
Roma are watching his progress without rushing into a decision. If the medical guarantees are satisfactory, D’Amico could return to the negotiating table with Fenerbahçe.
Source: Corriere dello Sport
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