Pellegrini’s Agent Confirms Roma Stay

Just days ago it was reported that Roma were making a power move in their pursuit of Cagliari midfielder Nicoló Barella. The kind of move that would let the world of calcio know that, despite missing out on Champions League football for this season, the Giallorossi still meant business on the mercato. It's the kind of proposed move that makes us Romanisti dream that better times are ahead.

However, there’s just one small problem. Barella has an agreement with Inter. So, despite Roma’s said agreement with Cagliari, there’s still that hurdle to clear. While it’s reported that Inter won’t match the Giallorossi’s offer, Inter aren’t prepared to let Roma off lightly. Thus, it was speculated that Inter would make its own power move by enacting Lorenzo Pellegrini’s release clause as a vendetta against i Lupi.

Unfortunately for Inter, Pellegrini has no desire to leave the Giallorossi, making the clause useless. Pellegrini wants remain with his hometown club, as he’s set to take on an even greater role at the Olimpico this season.

This sentiment was reaffirmed by his agent Giampiero Porcetta to Sky Sport Italia (translated by Football Italia), saying:

“There’s been a lot of talk about him, there have been talks with several teams who have shown us their projects, some of which are very interesting.

“Lorenzo is flattered by all this. Clubs in Italy and abroad wanted him, but he’s determined to stay at Roma.

“Totti’s words have charged him with responsibility, he’s a mature lad and he doesn’t shy away from situations like these.

“Beyond that, however, he’s convinced of the validity of Roma’s project. If he wanted to leave, he would’ve done so already.

“The release clause was included in his contract because it gave him the opportunity to leave in the event he no longer wanted to stay.

“Pellegrini’s desire right now is to stay at Roma. We’re also discussing a new contract with the club, even if - as in the case of the clause - we have no urgency in defining certain things.”

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the contract renewal would remove Pellegrini’s €30 million release clause while giving the midfielder a raise to €3 million per season after taxes. Pellegrini would also take on the role as Alessandro Florenzi’s vice-captain; essentially making him next in the line of Roman born captains.

With this commitment from Pellergini, Roma should be even more emboldened in its pursuit of Barella. Knowing that it doesn’t have to fear losing one it’s crown jewels in an act of revenge to Inter, Roma can flex its muscles just a bit more. With Pellegrini, Nicoló Zaniolo, Bryan Cristante, and now Amadou Diawara already in tow, the potential move for Barella could give Roma one of the best midfields on the peninsula. Now let’s hope that our dreams become a reality.