Giallorossi have added experience and depth ahead of return to Europe.
IN – Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Juan Iturbe (Verona), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Seydou Keita (Valencia), Salih Ucan (Fenerbahce), Urby Emanuelson (AC Milan).
OUT – Dodo (Inter), Tin Jedvaj (Leverkusen), Marquinho (Al-Ittihad), Marco D’Alessandro (Atalanta).
AS Roma coach Rudi Garcia is building something special in the Italian capital as he is preparing his squad for a return to the Champions League next season.
Having faltered in recent years and fallen out of contention in Serie A, the Giallorossi made an impressive return to the fold under the watchful eye of Garcia last year.
In his first campaign as a coach in Italy, the French tactician delivered a second-place finish and implemented a new entertaining style of play which saw his team break records and make a significant impression on the neutrals as they posed a genuine challenge to Juventus.
Although they ultimately fell away in the title race, their transfer business thus far suggests that they are ready to step up to the next level and they are more than capable of balancing their commitments in Europe with the primary goal of winning a league title.
Perhaps most impressive has been their ability to improve what was already a solid defensive line last season with the acquisition of Ashley Cole, with the former England international joining in a free transfer and hoping to emulate what Maicon achieved last year.
Seemingly coming towards the end of his career, the Brazilian wing-back was reinvigorated last season and was ultimately re-called to the national team for the World Cup. While Cole isn’t expected to go back on his decision to retire from international football, he will undoubtedly be hoping for the same effect on his own career.
With Mehdi Benatia set to remain in Rome despite strong interest from England, Garcia will be delighted with the way his defence is shaping up, and his midfield is perhaps even stronger.
While injuries denied supporters the opportunity to see Daniele De Rossi, Miralem Pjanic and Kevin Strootman work in tandem throughout the campaign, Roma have again been able to resist interest in the latter duo and keep together one of the best midfields in Europe.
Add to that the arrivals of Salih Ucan, Leandro Paredes and Seydou Keita and suddenly the team has depth, affording their star players some much needed rest as the fixture list becomes a little more strenuous.
However, perhaps most exciting of all of the summer signings is Juan Iturbe, with the Argentinian delivering on his talent with a thrilling season with Hellas Verona last year as Roma beat a number of clubs to his signature.
The 21-year-old will have competition in Rome, but with his trickery, pace and eye for goal, he is undoubtedly one to watch in the coming years as he looks to showcase his talents on the biggest of stages and lead the next generation with Francesco Totti coming to the end.
On the whole, Garcia is constructing a squad that is predominantly made up of players in their 20s, but by working alongside some of the older players they will be expected to improve, develop and grow into leaders over the course of the next few years.
It will come as no surprise if Roma are the main threat to Juventus next season, and the club’s management should be applauded for their work so far this summer.
They have found the perfect balance between youth and experience which promises to result in a memorable season ahead.
Rating: 9/10.