Roma consider Nottingham Forest's Morato as Ziolkowski replacement
Quick summary
Roma are weighing a move for Nottingham Forest defender Morato as a potential replacement for Ziolkowski, who is set to leave the club.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceRoma are assessing Morato as a potential replacement for Jan Ziolkowski, with the Poland defender close to leaving the club.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio , and Sky Sports UK, the Nottingham Forest centre-back is among the names under consideration and a loan move is the likely structure for any deal.
ATHENS, GREECE – JANUARY 29: Jan Ziolkowski of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Panathinaikos FC and AS Roma at Spyros Louis on January 29, 2026 in Athens, Greece. (Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images) Roma want a defender in before sanctioning Ziolkowski exit The sequencing matters. Ziolkowski is set to join Monza on loan with an option to buy, but Roma will not authorise that departure until they have secured an incoming defender, leaving both moves dependent on one another with days of the window remaining.
Morato joined Forest from Benfica in 2024 and has found regular minutes hard to come by at the City Ground. The 25-year-old came through the Palmeiras academy before his move to Portugal.
NEWPORT, WALES – AUGUST 04: Gian Piero Gasperini looks on before the pre-season friendly match between Newport County and AS Roma at Rodney Parade on August 04, 2026 in Newport, Wales. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) Gian Piero Gasperini currently has Gianluca Mancini, Evan N’Dicka, Mario Hermoso and Konstantinos Koulierakis as his senior options in a back three, with Hermoso and Koulierakis both featuring in Monday’s 4-0 win over Fiorentina .
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What happened
Roma are exploring the market for defensive reinforcements with Morato, currently at Nottingham Forest, emerging as a candidate to fill the void left by Ziolkowski's anticipated departure. The Brazilian centre-back has been identified as a profile that fits Roma's defensive needs. The situation remains in the early stages as Roma evaluate their options ahead of the transfer window.
Chance analysis
Roma's search for a new centre-back signals a proactive approach to squad planning, targeting a player with Premier League experience in Morato. If the move materialises, it would address a clear positional need while reflecting the club's ambition to strengthen defensively. The link highlights the growing interconnection between Serie A and the Premier League transfer market.
Roma could strengthen their defensive depth if the move for Morato goes through, though the deal remains speculative at this stage.