AS Roma move to secure squad core with contract extensions for Celik, Mancini and Cristante
SportMediaset reports agreements with Mancini and Cristante until 2030, following Paulo Dybala’s reduced-salary deal.
AS Roma have reportedly finalised agreements to retain Zeki Celik, Gianluca Mancini, and Bryan Cristante, marking a significant step in the club’s strategy to preserve the squad that secured qualification for the Champions League. The moves follow the recent extension of striker Paulo Dybala, whose new contract runs until June 2027.
According to reports from SportMediaset, defender Mancini and midfielder Cristante have "shaken hands" on terms that will keep them at the club until June 2030. The claim suggests a long-term commitment to the defensive and midfield units, although the specific financial details of these agreements have not been independently verified.
The retention of Gianluca Mancini, who scored the opening goal in the Rome derby against Lazio on 17 May 2026, is viewed as crucial for stabilising the backline. His agreement, alongside that of Cristante, signals the club’s intent to maintain structural continuity within the team.
Zeki Celik’s situation has been described as widely reported, with the Turkish defender having reportedly already agreed to a new contract after becoming a free agent. The club had identified Celik as a priority to ensure defensive depth remained intact for the upcoming European campaign.
Paulo Dybala’s extension was considered the most urgent matter, as his previous deal expired on 30 June 2026. Despite receiving offers from Boca Juniors, Dybala signed a new contract until June 2027 at a reduced salary, prioritising his stay in Rome over a move to Argentina.
Negotiations are also underway with captain Lorenzo Pellegrini regarding a contract extension. Transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that talks are in progress, with Pellegrini set to become a free agent on 1 July 2026. The outcome of these discussions will determine whether the club’s leadership group remains unchanged for the next season.
The Giallorossi have been methodical in addressing their roster priorities this summer, focusing on keeping the core group that qualified for European competition together. The potential retention of Celik, Mancini, Cristante, and Pellegrini, alongside Dybala, would provide significant stability as the club prepares for the challenges of the Champions League.
