With Daniele Ghilardi finally secured after a long, drawn-out negotiation with Hellas Verona, Roma’s defensive trio is starting to come together. Gianluca Mancini and Evan Ndicka are confirmed starters, and Ghilardi is the leading contender for the third spot. However, with Mario Hermoso reportedly impressing so far, the Spaniard might remain at Roma after a rough start to his season last year, before being loaned to Bayer Leverkusen in the spring. If Hermoso stays, Roma will have four center backs,
especially since Marash Kumbulla is expected to leave with multiple clubs showing interest.
The departure of Kumbulla would mean that Roma needs to sign another center back to add much-needed depth during a long season that will also see Evan Ndicka leave for AFCON in the winter. With that in mind, if reports are accurate, Ricky Massara already has a target in mind—20-year-old Jan Ziółkowski of Legia Warsaw.
More on Jan Ziolkowski exclusive story.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 4, 2025
AS Roma have sent best financial proposal for the 20 year old defender, as revealed this morning.
Udinese also forwarded their bid while Roma are planning to reach an agreement on player side. pic.twitter.com/OmbwybZM1r
Ziółkowski is described as a lively, large-bodied defender who stands at 194cm (6’3”). The Polish U20 player would provide Gasperini with a talented but raw player to develop. This is a move he has successfully made many times before at Atalanta. Udinese, Lyon, and a few Spanish clubs are also said to be interested. However, the cost of acquiring Ziółkowski would likely be reasonable, probably just under €5 million.
This is the first time Ziółkowski’s name has come up, but Fabrizio Romano says an offer has already been made. And according to ForzaRoma, Ziółkowski has started following Roma and Paulo Dybala on Instagram. Meanwhile, the only other club he follows is his current team, Legia. Could this be a sign of a transfer happening soon? We’ll find out soon, so stay tuned.
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