Roma’s search for a right-footed left winger is already taking shape well before the next transfer window, with Gian Piero Gasperini’s preferences guiding the club’s early work. The profile is clear: young, physically ready, technically sharp and capable of growing in value.
Ruben van Bommel has emerged among the players being watched. The 22-year-old PSV Eindhoven winger has made a strong return from a serious knee injury that ruled him out for almost a full season, and his start to the current campaign has renewed interest around him.
Quick facts
- Van Bommel has recorded two goals and four assists in seven PSV appearances this season.
- He is a 22-year-old right-footed player who usually operates from the left flank.
- PSV paid €15 million to bring him back after his breakthrough at AZ Alkmaar.
- His current valuation is around €25 million, with that figure expected to rise.
- Roma have not opened formal negotiations, but could consider an approach in January.
The Dutchman has already earned senior international recognition, making his Netherlands debut against Germany and Serbia. His family name brings an obvious football history, but it is his own recent form that has placed him on Roma’s radar.
His father Mark van Bommel, formerly of Milan and Bayern Munich, is now Belgium’s national-team coach and recently oversaw a victory over Italy. Ruben’s maternal grandfather is Bert van Marwijk, the former Netherlands coach who guided his country to the 2010 World Cup final.
At club level, Van Bommel had shown his potential at AZ Alkmaar, scoring 10 goals in his first senior season while still 19. PSV, where he developed in the academy, then brought him back for €15 million.
Roma see qualities that fit Gasperini’s long-standing request. Van Bommel can work on either side of the ball, attack defenders directly and arrive into the penalty area. At 1.92 metres, he combines an unusual physical frame for a wide player with speed over short and longer distances.
His height has not prevented him from being comfortable in tighter areas, while his acceleration and control have helped him become an unpredictable option in one-against-one situations. The concern after his knee problem has eased after his productive opening at PSV.
The Friedkin ownership have increasingly targeted players with room for development and future resale potential, a policy that makes Van Bommel particularly attractive. He is represented by the Raiola team, and continued PSV and Netherlands appearances could push his price beyond the current €25 million estimate.
The Netherlands has already been a productive market for Roma in recent months. Donyell Malen, Marten de Roon and Devyne Rensch arrived, while deals for Crysencio Summerville and Givairo Read did not reach completion.
Gasperini has also seen other wide options fall away. Marcus Greenwood, Summerville and Jamie Leweling were among the names that did not become available, while Jamie Gittens is no longer a leading possibility after a serious ankle injury.
Other attacking candidates remain under consideration. Endrick is looking for more regular football and wants to protect his place with Brazil, with Real Madrid assessing a possible loan departure. Luiz Henrique of Zenit is another name, having been close to joining Roma in the summer before restrictions connected to the war in Ukraine halted the move; FIFA is now considering whether a transfer can be authorised.
Georgia’s Giorgi Kvernadze is also being monitored, although he is viewed more as a possible investment for next season. For now, Van Bommel represents another piece in Roma’s broader attempt to give Gasperini the left-sided attacker he has been seeking.
