Premier League
Gasperini urges Roma to retain Ivorian defender Ndicka
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has asked club owners and new sporting director Fabio D’Amico to keep Ivorian centre‑back Jonathan Ndicka until at least 30 June, barring any irresistible offers, even though he acknowledges the club needs to generate cash and must protect key defensive elements.
The request was disclosed in a report, indicating that Gasperini wants the club to retain Ndicka. Gasperini addressed his appeal to the owners and to new sporting director Fabio D’Amico.
He acknowledges that Roma must generate cash through player sales. Nevertheless, he insists that certain key elements, including Ndicka, remain protected.
Ndicka, an Ivorian centre‑back, is identified as a crucial part of the defensive unit. Gasperini wants him to keep the defence in his hands.
The owners are expected to honour the manager’s demand by locking down Ndicka’s contract. This would apply unless an irresistible offer emerges before the 30 June deadline. Any such offer would be considered a last‑minute exception to the request.
The June 30 deadline aligns with the summer transfer window’s closing period. Gasperini’s stance suggests he prefers stability over a hurried sale.