Roma plot transfer revenge on Juventus and Massara
Quick summary
Roma are reportedly planning transfer moves aimed at rivals Juventus, with sporting director Frederic Massara potentially involved in the club's strategy.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceLa Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Roma are plotting a transfer revenge on Juventus and Frederic Massara, which would prompt the Giallorossi to open talks with free agent Franck Kessié.
Roma are reportedly infuriated with Juventus and Massara after the Bianconeri hijacked their offer to sign Zeki Celik.
The Giallorossi expected the Turkish defender to land in the capital to sign a contract extension, but Celik took the flight for Turin instead.
His contract with Roma had expired on June 30, so Juventus were allowed to hold talks with the 29-year-old.
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – APRIL 29: Franck Kessié of Al-Ahli Saudi reacts during the AFC Champions League Elite Semi Final between Al Hilal and Al Ahli at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on April 29, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images) What deepened Roma’s frustration was that Massara served as their sporting director in 2025-26 and had negotiated Celik’s extension at the Stadio Olimpico before leaving the club due to disagreements with Gian Piero Gasperini.
Gazzetta reports that Roma are preparing a potential transfer revenge by targeting ex-Atalanta and Milan star Kessié.
The Ivory Coast international is without a club after refusing to extend with Al-Ahli and is open to returning to Serie A.
Juventus have already opened talks with his agents, who have demanded a salary of at least €5m plus a signing bonus.
TORONTO, ONTARIO – JUNE 20: Franck Kessié #8 of Cote d’Ivoire celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Cote D’Ivoire at Toronto Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Kessié has already worked with Gasperini and is seen as a potential replacement for Manchester United and Liverpool target Manu Koné.
According to Gazzetta, Roma are also interested in Juventus’ Francisco Conceiçao, but it’s unlikely they’ll offer more than €40m.
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What happened
Roma are said to be preparing transfer operations that could be seen as retaliation against Serie A rivals Juventus, with the involvement of Frederic Massara — the former Roma sporting director who later moved to other roles. The article frames this as a competitive 'revenge' narrative in the transfer market, suggesting Roma are targeting players or assets connected to Juventus. Specific player targets and financial details are not confirmed in the headline alone, but the piece positions the Giallorossi as actively plotting moves in the upcoming window.
Chance analysis
This is a rivalry-driven transfer story between two of Serie A's biggest clubs. Roma's willingness to engage in direct market competition with Juventus signals intent to strengthen while weakening a domestic rival. The mention of Massara adds a personnel layer, hinting at internal politics or strategic hires that could shape Roma's transfer execution. For prediction systems, this signals Roma may be more aggressive in the market, but concrete player targets are needed before squad-strength adjustments.
If confirmed, Roma's targeted moves against Juventus could reshape both clubs' squad depth and Serie A's competitive balance.
Watch for confirmed Roma-Juventus transfer tussles; this rivalry framing suggests Roma may bid for Juve targets, potentially inflating prices or forcing Juve to act defensively.