Roma could be in line for a busy summer as Jose Mourinho strengthens his squad ahead of the new season.
The 59-year-old guided the Italian club to their first ever major European trophy by beating Feyenoord 1-0 in the Europa Conference League final last month. They also finished sixth in Serie A, just seven points behind Juventus in fourth, and Mourinho is set to be backed in the transfer market in the upcoming window.
There were reports suggesting Mourinho could be lured to Paris Saint-Germain but the Portuguese coach quickly shrugged off those rumours and hinted he will be at Roma next season. The Daily Telegraph claimed the French giants have considered Mourinho as a candidate to replace Mauricio Pochettino this summer. When speaking with a group of University of Lisbon students last week, Mourinho revealed he is 'loving' his time in Italy.
He said, via Football Italia : "I love being at Roma. I don’t love it when I lose, and I lose more here than at other clubs, but the people love me and I have this great feeling of empathy with the people both inside and outside the club." Nobody lied to me, nobody conned me or promised things on the transfer market we couldn’t achieve. I am there because I love it."
With Mourinho set to stay at Roma next season, the former Chelsea boss is reportedly lining up a summer spending spree which could see his side look a whole lot different. So, with that in mind, here is how Roma might line-up for the 2022/23 campaign, including two Premier League stars.
Goalkeeper - Patricio
A reliable force between the sticks, Rui Patricio has been excellent since making the £13million move from Wolves last summer, keeping 21 clean sheets in all competitions. He is set to keep his jersey for his upcoming season with Daniel Fuzato providing back-up.
Defence - Bellerin, Smalling, Mancini, Spinazzola
The first potential new signing is Hector Bellerin, who has been tipped to make the switch to Roma from Arsenal in the transfer window. He would play on the right-hand side of the back four alongside Chris Smalling and Gianluca Mancini. The central defensive duo were both impeccable last term.
At left-back, Leonardo Spinazzola could force his way back into the team after missing the majority of last season with a serious knee injury sustained at Euro 2020. The 29-year-old made his return to the starting XI for the final game of the Serie A campaign, where he played 83 minutes in a 3-0 win over Torino.
Where will Roma finish in Serie A next season? Have your say in the comments!
Midfield - Cuadrado, Matic, Pellegrini, Isco, Zaniolo
Mourinho has often flipped between a three and a four-at-the-back formation during his time in charge of Roma thus far, but does seemingly prefer playing with five in midfield when possible. This is to allow the two wide players to tuck inside and make it difficult for opponents to control the game, while also ensuring they get up to support the lone striker.
Juan Cuadrado has been linked with a move to Roma and would be perfect for Mourinho's system as he has the ability to shuffle inside and the pace to create a counter-attacking opportunity. The Colombia international would operate on the right wing with Nicolo Zaniolo off the left. The latter scored the winner in the Conference League win over Feyenoord and was one of their standout performers last season.
The centre of midfield is arguably the most important area of the pitch and Mourinho is set to bolster that position with Nemanja Matic expected to arrive on a one-year deal following his release from Manchester United. He would likely be the deepest midfielder with Lorenzo Pellegrini as the natural No .8. Roma are also interested in a move for outgoing Real Madrid ace Isco and he would play in the more advanced position, just behind the forward.
Forward - Abraham
In attack, Tammy Abraham will no doubt lead the line if he decides to stay at the club this summer. The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Arsenal and a number of other Premier League clubs, but could opt to stay at the Stadio Olimpico given he scored 27 goals in 53 games in all competitions last season.
