Roma's sporting director Frederic Massara is proving that his commitment to the club remains unwavering, even as speculation swirls about his future away from the Italian capital. The former AC Milan executive has been spotted abroad recently, diligently scouting young talent to bolster the Giallorossi roster ahead of the June 30th transfer deadline.
In a strategic move that highlights Roma's ambition, Massara recently held talks with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. According to reports from Corriere dello Sport, the discussions centered on two promising prospects: 18-year-old full-back Culbreath and rising star Alajbegović.
Culbreath, a product of Leverkusen's renowned youth academy, made his first-team breakthrough this season. Born in 2007, this attacking-minded defender has already turned heads with his pace and offensive instincts—qualities that would fit perfectly into Gian Piero Gasperini's high-octane system. His standout moment came with a goal against RB Leipzig, and at a valuation of €7-8 million, he represents a calculated investment in youth.
The situation with Alajbegović, however, is more complex. The Bosnian teenager, also born in 2007, has caught the attention of several Serie A heavyweights, including Napoli, AC Milan, and Inter Milan. A bidding war could be on the horizon, but Roma currently lead the chase, having shown the most persistent interest.
The Giallorossi have gone the extra mile in their pursuit. After hosting Alajbegović and his father—who also serves as his agent—in Rome for discussions, Roma dispatched a scout to Germany to watch Leverkusen's clash with Leipzig. The scouting mission also kept tabs on other targets like Nusa and Schlager, but any negotiations for Alajbegović will need to pass through the German city where his future is being shaped.
For Roma fans, this aggressive scouting approach signals a club determined to build for the future, even as off-field uncertainties linger. Whether these young talents end up wearing the Giallorossi jersey remains to be seen, but Massara's dedication to the cause is unmistakable.