Roma defensive shake-up looms as Oosterwolde arrival pressures transfer window
The imminent arrival of Jayden Oosterwolde may force AS Roma to offload Jan Ziolkowski or Daniele Ghilardi, with Saudi club NEOM and Bologna reportedly circling.
AS Roma are poised to make a significant adjustment to their defensive structure in the final days of the transfer window, a move driven by the imminent arrival of Jayden Oosterwolde. The new signing offers manager Gian Piero Gasperini additional tactical flexibility, capable of operating both on the left flank and as a central defender. This versatility is expected to create redundancy in the current squad, prompting the club to consider the departure of either Jan Ziolkowski or Daniele Ghilardi.
The most prominent candidate for a transfer is Polish defender Jan Ziolkowski, who is reportedly being monitored by two Saudi clubs. Among them, NEOM has expressed strong interest in the player. Roma’s valuation of Ziolkowski stands at approximately €20 million, a figure influenced by a pre-existing contractual obligation that requires 10% of any future resale to be paid to Legia Warsaw.
According to reports from Corriere dello Sport, the Giallorossi are anticipating an offer from the Saudi club in the region of €16 million. This proposed sum is expected to trigger a period of negotiation, as it sits below the club’s initial valuation. The potential deal remains unconfirmed, with the specific identity of the second Saudi club interested in Ziolkowski yet to be named.
Meanwhile, attention is also turning to Daniele Ghilardi, with Bologna reportedly showing interest in the defender. While the extent of Bologna’s intent to make a formal bid is unclear, Roma will evaluate any potential offers alongside those for Ziolkowski. The club is currently in a position to assess which departure best serves their immediate sporting and financial needs.
Should either Ziolkowski or Ghilardi depart, Roma may seek to reinforce their defensive options by signing another player on loan. Director of Football Tiago D’Amico is reportedly considering this contingency to ensure squad depth is maintained before the window closes.
The situation underscores the delicate balance Roma must strike between integrating a new high-profile signing and managing squad composition. As the transfer deadline approaches, the final decision will likely hinge on the formalisation of offers from NEOM and Bologna.
