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Roma signs captains De Roon and Balerdi to enhance squad depth

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 30, 2026, 2:02 PM

Last updated Aug 30, 2026

Roma signs captains De Roon and Balerdi to enhance squad depth

Summary

Roma has strengthened its squad by signing midfielder Marten De Roon from Atalanta and defender Leonardo Balerdi from Marseille. De Roon, a veteran captain of Atalanta, arrives on a reported €1 million transfer following a fallout with coach Maurizio Sarri. Balerdi joins on loan with an option to buy, having served as captain at Marseille. Roma's manager Gian Piero Gasperini expressed excitement about both acquisitions, highlighting their leadership qualities. Roma began its Serie A campaign with a decisive 4-0 victory over Fiorentina and is set to face Lecce next.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Marten De Roon leaves Atalanta after ten years with the club.
•Leonardo Balerdi moves to Roma on loan with a purchase option.
•Roma won 4-0 against Fiorentina in their Serie A opener.
•The team visits Lecce for their next Serie A match.

Latest Updates

2:02 PMYahoo Sports — Roma acquires 2 captains with De Roon joing from Atalanta and Balerdi from Marseille

What they're saying

"
The 35-year-old De Roon evolved into Atalanta’s captain after a total of a decade spent at the Bergamo squad in two spells. Gasperini said the deal was done in two days after De Roon — who has also been a regular for the Netherlands — fell out of favor under current Atalanta coach Maurizio Sarri.
— Yahoo Sports

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