As the football world stirs with pre-season anticipation, player transfers, and the hopeful whispers of a fresh start, AS Roma finds itself navigating a familiar yet unsettling narrative. Amidst the flurry of activity, one figure stands conspicuously on the periphery: team captain Lorenzo Pellegrini. His situation is not merely a subplot; it is a complex, multi-layered saga involving injuries, an expiring contract, and the blunt philosophy of a new coach.
The Unseen Figure of Pre-Season
While the rest of the Giallorossi squad embarked on their preparatory journey to England, Pellegrini remained in the eternal city. The official line cites a need for “continued individual work,” a euphemism often heard when a player`s path diverges from the collective. This solo regimen is the fallout from a serious tendon injury sustained in May 2025, which prematurely ended his last season. Adding a peculiar twist, his return to training was further delayed by a rhinoplasty operation, the timing of which, while medically dictated, raised a few eyebrows in the ever-scrutinizing Roman media landscape.
Gasperini`s Unvarnished Truth
The arrival of Gian Piero Gasperini as Roma`s new head coach promised a shift in tactics and intensity. For Pellegrini, this shift appears to be particularly stark. Gasperini, a manager known for his demanding, high-energy approach, did not mince words when discussing the captain. His comments, described as “not very tender,” underscored a desire for players who embody a complete, two-way game – attacking with purpose and defending with equal vigor. “Pellegrini?” Gasperini reportedly remarked, “He`s an injured player. Everyone liked the player who came in, shot, and scored goals. But the discourse is the same for everyone. They must have the mentality to have their best season. Today in modern football, you attack and you defend; today, being a team counts.” These statements leave little room for interpretation, suggesting that Pellegrini`s traditional role may not align with the new coach`s vision, especially considering Gasperini`s reported preference for faster, more dynamic players in that position, akin to Atalanta`s Ademola Lookman.
The Lingering Injury
Pellegrini`s physical struggles are undeniable. His last appearance on the pitch dates back to May 8, 2025, when a severe lesion of the rectus femoris tendon in his right thigh forced him out. Subsequent surgery in Finland, a country often associated with specialized sports medicine, aimed to repair the damage. While a return to group training is anticipated within weeks, full match fitness is unlikely before the September international break. This extended absence means Pellegrini misses crucial pre-season time, a period vital for players to integrate into a new coach`s system and demonstrate their value. For a player already under scrutiny, a delayed re-entry could prove significantly detrimental.
The Ticking Contract Time Bomb
Beyond the physical and tactical challenges, Pellegrini`s contractual situation adds another layer of complexity. His current deal is set to expire in June 2026, meaning he has entered the final year of his contract. There are no discernible signs from the club`s ownership regarding a potential renewal. This hesitation is reportedly linked to his substantial salary, estimated at around 6.5 million euros including bonuses, which makes him one of the highest-paid players in the squad, on par with Paulo Dybala. However, his output last season – a modest 2 goals in 25 appearances – has raised questions about his value for money. Roma now faces a classic football dilemma: either find a buyer in the current or upcoming transfer windows or risk losing their captain on a free transfer next summer.
The Transfer Market Labyrinth
Attempts to offload Pellegrini have reportedly yielded little success. Roma`s purported offer to Juventus for a swap involving Weston McKennie (another player nearing contract expiration) was met with disinterest, as Juventus reportedly only expressed interest in Cristante. Brief enquiries from Napoli and Fiorentina in January also fizzled out. The Saudi Pro League remains a theoretical option, but sources suggest it is not Pellegrini`s preferred destination. This leaves the captain in a challenging predicament: a high earner who is currently injured, potentially not fitting the new coach`s system, and seemingly without a clear exit route. His only recourse appears to be a return to peak form, delivering performances so compelling that they force the club`s hand. But as Claudio Ranieri once noted, it seems Pellegrini “cannot find his smile” at present. Whether he can find his form and reverse his fortunes remains one of AS Roma`s most compelling stories heading into the new season.
Murray Blackwood