Roma’s €15m gamble on Greek defender Koulierakis as backup for Hermoso

Roma are on the verge of signing Greek centre‑back Kostantinos Koulierakis from Wolfsburg for a fee close to €15 million, a deal that Matteo Moretto says could be completed within the next 24 hours. The agreement between the Roman club and the player is already in place, with only the final details to be settled with the Germans.

The transfer fee, reported to be near €15 million, reflects Roma’s willingness to invest in a defender who can contribute immediately while also offering long‑term value.

Gian Piero Gasperini sees Koulierakis as a backup for his Spanish centre‑back Hermoso, providing depth and competition in the heart of the defence. The 2003‑born Greek is regarded as valuable for both the present and the future, and could challenge the Spaniard’s place in the pecking order.

The signing follows the pending Santiago Castro deal and signals the Giallorossi’s intensified recruitment drive, with the club also close to selling Spanish winger Angelino to Deportivo La Coruña after he failed to convince Gasp in early preparations.

While the defensive reinforcement proceeds, Roma’s attention remains on securing Moroccan winger Abde Ezzalzouli from Real Betis, a fee the Trigoria side deems excessive.

If the deal materialises, Roma will secure a versatile defender to bolster their back line ahead of Gasperini’s departure for Wales, and Koulierakis will join a Serie A club where he can develop under a coach known for nurturing young talent.