AS Roma have completed the signing of midfielder Marten de Roon from Atalanta on the final day of the transfer window. The Dutch international, who flew from Orio al Serio to Fiumicino, signed his contract after medical examinations at Ciampino airport at 12:15 on Sunday, 30 August 2026, as reported by ANSA Sport.
Roma, currently fourth in Serie A with 3 points from one game, paid a fee of one million euros for the player. De Roon leaves Bergamo after a decade and 445 appearances, a club record. His departure was not easy. "Gasperini called me yesterday, he strongly wanted me. Given the situation here, it was the right thing to do, but I am not happy," the player said, describing the move as a 'blitz'.
Why did De Roon leave Atalanta?
Marten de Roon was no longer part of Atalanta's plans under new manager Maurizio Sarri. The midfielder found it difficult to fit into the coach's 4-3-3 system and had a tough last month, with stomach pain since returning from the World Cup. Without playing time, his stay in Bergamo became unsustainable. The club, acknowledging his ten years of service, allowed him to leave on favourable terms. De Roon bid farewell to the fans via an Instagram post, expressing his strong emotional bond with the city and the club.
What does De Roon bring to Roma?
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini strongly wanted the player, calling him personally. "Two captains have arrived, De Roon and Balerdi. In this aspect we give a strong physical turn to a squad that has talent," the coach stated. Gasperini explained the deal was done within 48 hours, adding personality and physical strength to a quality roster. The manager also addressed criticism from some Roma fans towards De Roon for past comments, saying it's normal between rivals and that supporters will discover he is a solid person.
What is the current squad context?
AS Roma face a season with a packed schedule. The team has scored 4 goals without conceding in their first league match, boasting a +4 goal difference. Gasperini said he is happy with the group, calling it very solid now, but highlighted the need to complete the squad with a forward and a left-back. The next fixture is away to Lecce on 31 August, a match against the seventh-placed side. Fans can track the team's journey on our fixtures page.
What other transfer business occurred?
Alongside De Roon's arrival, AS Roma have loaned out midfielder El Aynaoui. The player joined RB Leipzig on an expensive loan costing 3 million euros. The deal includes a buy option set at 25 million, which can become an obligation if certain sporting objectives are met. This operation is part of managing a roster that must be ready for a long season. To monitor all squad updates, visit our squad section.
With De Roon in the team, Roma add experience and leadership to the midfield. The squad, three points behind leaders AC Milan, aims to consolidate its strong league start. The new signing's impact will be key in the battle for points, starting with the trip to Lecce. The league standing is always updated on our standings page.
