Roma are close to securing a deal for Hellas Verona center-back Daniele Ghilardi, with the 22-year-old set to sign a five-year contract as part of the club’s rebuild under Gian Piero Gasperini.
Roma Transfer News: Ghilardi Deal Close
Following the confirmed arrivals of Neil El Aynaoui from Lens and Evan Ferguson from Brighton, Roma are wasting no time in shoring up their defense.
According to multiple Italian outlets, including La Gazzetta dello Sport and Leggo, the Giallorossi are now finalizing a deal for Ghilardi, having beaten out competition from Real Betis, Atalanta, and Cagliari.
The agreement is expected to be worth around €10 million — a figure that Verona is willing to accept, despite initially demanding €12 million due to a 50% sell-on clause owed to Fiorentina.
That clause has complicated negotiations, as Verona would retain only half of the final transfer sum. Still, Roma have remained insistent and optimistic, thanks largely to the player’s eagerness to join.
Who Is Daniele Ghilardi?
Ghilardi may not yet be a household name, but his performances in Serie A and with Italy’s Under-21 side have quietly elevated his profile.
A product of the Fiorentina youth system, he moved to Verona in 2022 before gaining experience on loan with Mantova and Sampdoria. Last season, he made 24 league appearances, playing an important role in helping Verona avoid relegation.
It was his showings at the U21 European Championship that reportedly caught the eye of Gasperini, who values defenders with tactical intelligence, composure under pressure, and positional discipline — all attributes Ghilardi showcased throughout the tournament.
Why Gasperini Wants Ghilhardi
One of the key reasons Roma are pushing hard for this move is Ghilardi’s suitability for Gasperini’s favored back-three system.
Already experienced in such a setup at Verona, the defender brings versatility and maturity beyond his years. His arrival would bolster a backline that already includes Gianluca Mancini and Evan Ndicka, offering both depth and a long-term succession plan.
With the added demands of European football this season, Roma needs reliable rotational options — and Ghilardi appears ready to step up.
It is clear that with Gasperini at the helm, the club’s summer business is mainly centered on youth and Serie A experience.
Ghilardi may not be the flashiest name of the window, but he could prove to be a very shrewd signing.
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