Roma desperately need reinforcements following a below-par 2023/24 Serie A season, but they’re operating on a tight budget. Cost-effective signings and free agents could be the key to bolstering their squad without breaking the bank.
Daniele De Rossi is hellbent on strengthening his backline, but Roma must address other glaring issues up top. Therefore, they can’t allocate a substantial portion of their relatively modest budget for a new defender. Landing a top-class veteran without spending a dime is an opportunity the Giallorossi are reluctant to pass on.
According to Calciomercato, Mats Hummels ranks high on De Rossi’s shortlist. The wheels are already in motion as Roma bid to sign the 35-year-old on a Bosman deal after his contract at Borussia Dortmund ran out.
Hummels’ €3.7m-a-year salary at Signal Iduna Park shouldn’t be a problem for Roma. Despite entering the autumn of his playing career, the German star is still among Europe’s fiercest center-backs. His defensive skills and tactical awareness would probably flourish in Serie A.
On top of that, Hummels can perform in various set-ups. He could partner Gianluca Mancini in a four-man backline. But he’s equally well-versed playing in a 3-4-3 and 3-5-2. Roma could use a player of his quality and experience to increase their chances of returning to the top-four picture.
The ex-Bayern Munich star steered Dortmund to the Champions League final last term, but Real Madrid got the better of the Germans in his farewell game. Roma could be his next step if they can convince Hummels to move to Serie A toward the end of his career.
