Ranieri blocks Soulé Roma exit, but not Pellegrini | OneFootball

Claudio Ranieri insists Matias Soulé will ‘surely’ stay at Roma, but the club will listen to offers for Lorenzo Pellegrini ‘if he wants to leave.’

Ranieri provided the latest Roma transfer updates during a pre-match press conference on Wednesday.

The Giallorossi will host Genoa at the Olimpico on Friday.

Ranieri started with a brief game preview, but most questions were focused on transfers.

“We are indeed more solid with a three-man midfield,” Ranieri said via VoceGiallorossa.

“Genoa have been very practical under Vieira. They are determined and close the spaces very quickly. We’ll need a tactically smart performance.”

Soulé has been linked with a move to Marassi, having failed to justify his €25m price tag at the Olimpico, but Ranieri said the Argentinean would not leave.

“I strongly believe in this lad, and I think he can be the future of Roma,” the experienced coach argued.

“He is improving in terms of not touching the ball too often. He will surely stay with us because I believe in him, and he’ll have a chance to prove it.”

Ranieri blocks Soulé Roma exit, but not Pellegrini

ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 12: Lorenzo Pellegrini celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Claudio Ranieri, Head Coach of AS Roma, during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between AS Roma and SC Braga at Stadio Olimpico on December 12, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Ranieri admitted that Tommaso Baldanzi is getting more playing time than Soulé because the ex-Empoli talent has had six more months to adapt to Roma.

Ranieri also spoke about Pellegrini’s future at the club.

“I don’t think he’ll leave, but if another club wants him and he wants to go, we’ll make our assessments. I don’t think he wants to leave. ”

Ajax defender Devyne Rensch has reportedly reached an agreement with the Giallorossi, but Ranieri didn’t want to discuss any specific target in depth.

“I won’t discuss the transfers and media rumour,” said Ranieri.

“We are looking for a player worthy of Roma. I’m looking for a wing-back who can play with a three- or four-man defence, who can attack, defend, and play on the left and right.”

Lastly, Ranieri confirmed that Bryan Cristante is close to returning to action.

“You’ll surely see him again. I talk to him, and he’s resumed training on the pitch. The tests are fine, so he only needs to regain shape. I hope he’ll be available next week,” Ranieri concluded.