Lorenzo Pellegrini’s future at Roma has been thrust into serious doubt after manager Gian Piero Gasperini opened the door to the captain’s exit, revealing that the club has no intention of extending his contract beyond 2026. In a remarkably candid press conference ahead of Roma’s Serie A opener against Bologna, Gasperini laid bare the contractual impasse that could see the homegrown midfielder leave the Italian capital.
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Gasperini’s Bombshell Contract Revelation
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Gasperini made it crystal clear that Roma’s hierarchy has decided against offering Pellegrini a contract extension. “The club doesn’t want to extend his contract… and he needs to play to aspire to the national team and his goals,” the former Atalanta coach stated bluntly.
| Gasperini’s Key Statements on Pellegrini |
|---|
| Contract Status: “The club doesn’t want to extend his contract” |
| Player Needs: “He needs to play” |
| National Team: “To aspire to the national team and his goals” |
| Mutual Benefit: “If he finds a suitable situation, everyone will be happy” |
The 67-year-old manager elaborated further on the delicate situation: “What I’ve seen with Pellegrini is that the situation isn’t so clear: it’s clear that the club doesn’t want to renew his contract and that he needs to play to aspire to the national team and his goals.”
The Captain’s Dilemma
Pellegrini finds himself in an increasingly precarious position at his boyhood club. The 28-year-old midfielder, who has been Roma’s captain, is facing the prospect of either accepting a reduced role or seeking a move elsewhere to maintain his international ambitions with Italy.
Gasperini acknowledged the complexity of Pellegrini’s situation, stating: “If he finds a suitable situation and is content to go away, the club will also be content.” This admission suggests Roma would not stand in their captain’s way should an appropriate offer materialize.
| Pellegrini’s Current Contract Situation |
|---|
| Contract Expires: June 30, 2026 |
| Current Salary: €6 million per season net |
| Years Remaining: Less than 2 years |
| Roma’s Position: Not willing to extend |
| Release Clause: Previously removed in 2021 |
The manager’s comments came after questions about why Pellegrini continues to be discussed in every interview, to which Gasperini responded: “I don’t know why you always ask me and not the player or the club.”
Injury Complications
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Pellegrini has been dealing with injury issues that have prevented him from training with the full squad since Gasperini’s arrival. “I arrived when he was injured and never got to train with the team,” the coach explained.
The midfielder is reportedly close to recovery, with Gasperini noting: “Pellegrini is close to recovery, but he hasn’t trained with the team.” However, his absence from training has limited the new manager’s ability to assess his role in the squad.
Roma’s Strategic Direction Under Gasperini
Gasperini’s frank assessment of Pellegrini’s situation aligns with Roma’s broader strategic shift under his leadership. The club is prioritizing younger players who can contribute to long-term success and potentially generate capital gains through future transfers.
“The right players are the good ones, the ones with value and potential – they all fit into my way of thinking and playing football,” Gasperini explained when discussing Roma’s summer signings.
| Roma’s Summer Transfer Strategy |
|---|
| Focus: Younger players with potential |
| Signings: Wesley, Ferguson, Ghilardi, El Aynaoui |
| Philosophy: Building for future success |
| Financial: Players who can generate capital gains |
The club has invested in promising young talents like Brazilian Wesley, Ferguson, and Ghilardi, all born in 2003-2004, representing a clear departure from relying on established veterans.
Financial Pressures at Play
Roma’s reluctance to extend Pellegrini’s contract appears closely linked to financial considerations. The midfielder currently earns €6 million per season net, a significant commitment that the club is unwilling to maintain for the long term.
Gasperini has been open about Roma’s financial constraints, stating: “Everyone knows the financial fair play situation.” This transparency suggests that Pellegrini’s departure could be as much about financial necessity as tactical considerations.
Historical Context and Emotional Weight
The potential departure of Pellegrini would represent a significant emotional blow for Roma supporters. The midfielder is a product of the club’s academy system and has been a key figure since returning from Sassuolo in 2017.
Pellegrini signed his current contract in October 2021, famously removing a €30 million release clause to demonstrate his commitment to the club. At the time, he declared: “It’s impossible for me to explain this feeling, it’s what I’ve always wanted – to cement this bond between myself and my team and my city.”
| Pellegrini’s Roma Journey |
|---|
| Academy Graduate: Yes |
| First Debut: March 2015 vs Cesena |
| Return from Sassuolo: Summer 2017 |
| Captain Since: 2021 |
| Total Appearances: 200+ |
| Goals Scored: 25+ |
The midfielder has made over 200 appearances for Roma across all competitions, establishing himself as one of the club’s most consistent performers during his time as captain.
Transfer Market Implications
With Roma’s stance now clear, the transfer market implications become significant. Pellegrini’s situation has reportedly attracted interest from West Ham, though his entourage has denied any formal contact with the Premier League club.
Gasperini acknowledged the difficulty of Pellegrini’s position in the current market: “It seems difficult for him to find a new team at the moment. If he finds a suitable path, everyone will be happy, him and the club.”
National Team Considerations
Pellegrini’s international ambitions add urgency to resolving his club situation. The midfielder has been a regular for Italy and understands that consistent playing time is crucial for maintaining his place in the national team setup.
Gasperini specifically highlighted this aspect: “He needs to play to aspire to the national team and his goals.” This suggests that Pellegrini’s desire for regular football could be the determining factor in any potential move.
Looking Ahead: Resolution Required
As Roma prepare for their season opener against Bologna, the Pellegrini situation represents an unwelcome distraction that requires swift resolution. Gasperini’s public comments appear designed to clarify the club’s position and potentially encourage interested parties to make concrete offers.
The manager’s honesty about the situation, while unusual, may serve to expedite a solution that benefits all parties involved. With less than two years remaining on his contract, Roma risks losing their captain for nothing if no agreement can be reached.
For Pellegrini, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether his Roma story continues or if a new chapter begins elsewhere. The midfielder’s response to this public revelation of the club’s stance will likely shape the final outcome of this developing saga.
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FAQs
Will Roma extend Lorenzo Pellegrini’s contract?
No, Gasperini has confirmed that “the club doesn’t want to extend his contract” beyond its current 2026 expiration date.
Why doesn’t Roma want to keep Pellegrini?
The decision appears linked to financial constraints and the club’s strategic shift toward younger players who can generate future capital gains.
When does Pellegrini’s current contract expire?
Pellegrini’s contract with Roma expires on June 30, 2026, leaving less than two years remaining on his current deal.
Is Pellegrini currently injured?
Yes, Pellegrini has been dealing with injury issues and hasn’t been able to train with the full squad since Gasperini’s arrival, though he is reportedly close to recovery.
Would Roma let Pellegrini leave if he finds another club?
Yes, Gasperini stated that “if he finds a suitable situation and is content to go away, the club will also be content.”
