now what future? The point

Perhaps only the transfer market could bring Nicola Zalewski out of the limbo in which he has immersed himself, far from Rome and the city that saw him grow. Yesterday’s defeat of his Poland against Austria (3-1) resulted in the elimination of his selection from the European Championship in Germany. The draw between Holland and France also contributed. What is certain is that the two defeats in the first two matches could only have had an obvious outcome: elimination. Poland returns home and now Zalewski is ready to return to Rome. His future, according to what is said in the corridors of Trigoria, is now truly in the balance.

Sin. The European showcase could have represented a great opportunity for him. Not only in terms of the market, but also in terms of Rome. A message which, if sent, would have had Daniele De Rossi as its privileged recipient, who at least should have taken it into serious consideration. But this did not come true. Also against Austria – second match of group D – Zalewski started. For the second time he played from the start with the shirt of his selection. Proof of his importance for the team. The proof of him? In the first half some runs down the wing, then in the 20th minute the big opportunity: badly wasted. Little else during the race.

Now, Zalewski is one of Roma’s many question marks, more if he stays in truth, less if he were to leave after the transfer market. In the Giallorossi he provided sub-par performances and did not completely convince De Rossi. Better against Poland, however his performances were not enough to avoid elimination from the European Championships. In the national team he played the role of winger in midfield, while in Rome it is still not possible to understand where to deploy him to make the most of him. Whether as a fifth, as with Mou, or as an attacking midfielder, as with DDR. Many positions have changed in the last two seasons, but the results are almost always the same: insufficient.

Now Florent Ghisolfi, new director of the technical area, must decide: renew it or sell it? The contract expires in a year, on 30 June 2025. The last adjustment dates back to 3 years ago, to 2021. The club seems undecided on what to do, perhaps because it was hoping for the player to exploit the international adventure. Also because in this market session there is a need for liquidity to be able to channel it later on all incoming operations aimed at strengthening the team. Zalewski could therefore be one of the players expendable immediately or as a counterpart. The price is negotiable: it starts from 15 million, but could be easily lowered to 10…