Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini to undergo surgery to treat injury
REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY - DECEMBER 03: Gianluca Mancini of AS Roma looks on during the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium - Citta' del Tricolore on December 03, 2023 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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Roma Captain Lorenzo Pellegrini to Undergo Surgery, Transfer Exit in Doubt

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Lorenzo Pellegrini’s 2024 season has come to an abrupt end, with the Roma captain set to undergo surgery in Finland — a move that could significantly impact his chances of leaving the club this summer.

Why Is Lorenzo Pellegrini Having Surgery? Latest Injury Update

Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini has struggled with injury throughout the season, and it has now been confirmed that the 28-year-old will undergo surgery on the right femoral thigh tendon. The decision follows weeks of failed attempts at conservative recovery methods and ongoing physical discomfort.

According to reports from Il Messaggero and Calciomercato.com, the Italy international is scheduled to undergo the operation this weekend in Finland, under the supervision of Professor Leimpänen — the same specialist who treated Paulo Dybala.

Medical tests revealed a lesion to Pellegrini’s quadriceps involving the tendon, making a full surgical repair necessary to avoid long-term damage.

How Long Will Pellegrini Be Out?

Pellegrini is expected to be sidelined for at least two months, though there are fears the recovery could stretch further, potentially jeopardizing his availability for the beginning of next season.

Tendon injuries are notoriously unpredictable in terms of rehabilitation timelines, so it is possible complications could arise.

With his recovery timeline uncertain, Roma are now facing a difficult situation ahead of the summer transfer window.

What Does Pellegrini’s Injury Mean for Roma’s Transfer Market Plans?

Lorenzo Pellegrini had already been placed on the transfer list by Roma in January, but no bids materialized, largely due to concerns over his physical condition and form.

Interest from Inter and Napoli had been noted earlier this year, but those potential moves are now in doubt.

With his contract expiring in June 2026 and no renewal talks underway, the club had hoped to offload him to free up room on the wage bill and in the squad.

However, the latest injury blow and subsequent surgery may prevent any meaningful sale this summer, forcing Roma to hold onto a player they had been prepared to let go.

Pellegrini’s Roma Future in Doubt After Nightmare Season

Pellegrini’s performances on the pitch have mirrored his struggles off it. The Roma captain has managed just three goals and three assists in 34 appearances this season, falling out of favor under multiple coaches, including Daniele De Rossi, Ivan Juric, and Claudio Ranieri.

His declining role in the squad and a deteriorating relationship with sections of the fanbase have only accelerated the idea of a clean break.

Claudio Ranieri notably called Pellegrini’s failure to shine a “personal defeat” — quite telling in how far the club’s confidence in him has fallen.

Could Pellegrini Still Move to Saudi Arabia or Stay at Roma?

There are reported murmurs of interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, but Pellegrini is said to be unconvinced by a move to the Gulf.

With Napoli pursuing other targets like Federico Chiesa and Inter likely to hesitate due to his injury status, his options appear increasingly limited.

Unless a suitor takes a gamble, Roma may be forced to keep their captain for at least the first half of the 2025/26 campaign.

James Lloyd

James is a football writer with a keen eye for Serie A and the tactical nuances of the Italian game. With a background in sports betting, analytics, and performance statistics, he brings a data-driven lens to the beautiful game. James has contributed to leading sports platforms such as Sports Lens and Breaking The Lines, and currently works as a Video Scout for 360 Scouting. Holding a Master’s degree in Sport & Exercise Physiology, he combines academic insight with a lifelong love of the sport. Away from calcio, he also follows darts, tennis, UFC, and WWE.