Gian Piero Gasperini wants more creativity behind the striker, and Roma may have found the perfect solution: Julian Brandt. With his Borussia Dortmund contract running out, the German playmaker has emerged as a serious target for the Giallorossi.
AS Roma are exploring one of the most intriguing opportunities of the summer transfer market, with veteran German playmaker Julian Brandt now firmly on the club’s radar.
The 30-year-old attacking midfielder is approaching the end of his contract with Borussia Dortmund, creating a rare chance for Roma to land an experienced Champions League performer without paying a transfer fee.
For manager Gian Piero Gasperini, the profile fits perfectly. Since arriving in the capital, Gasperini has repeatedly emphasized the need for another creative attacking player capable of operating between the lines, scoring goals, and linking midfield with attack. Brandt checks every box.
Malen Playing Recruiter
Roma’s pursuit may also have an unexpected ally: Donyell Malen.
During their years together at Dortmund, Brandt and Malen formed one of the Bundesliga’s most productive attacking partnerships. Their chemistry became so well known among supporters that they earned the nickname “The Twins,” a reflection of their near-telepathic understanding on the field.
Across three and a half seasons together, the duo combined for an impressive 73 goals and 62 assists, helping Dortmund remain among Germany’s elite clubs while making deep runs in European competition.
Now Malen reportedly hopes to recreate that partnership in Rome.
After helping Roma secure Champions League qualification and earning a permanent move to the club, the Dutch forward has become an important figure in the dressing room. Reports in Italy suggest that he recently contacted Brandt directly to discuss the possibility of joining him in Serie A.
The response was encouraging. The German international is said to be attracted by the prospect of a new challenge, Roma’s growing ambitions, and Gasperini’s attack-minded style of football.
A Proven European Performer
Brandt would arrive with an elite résumé.
The former Dortmund star has accumulated 82 Champions League appearances during his career and played a key role in the club’s run to the 2024 Champions League final against Real Madrid CF. Unlike Malen, Brandt started that final and was one of Dortmund’s most influential players throughout the campaign.
His numbers in Germany underline his consistency. Over more than 300 appearances for Dortmund, Brandt developed into one of the Bundesliga’s most complete attacking midfielders, combining vision, technical quality, and an underrated goal-scoring threat.
The main obstacle is his salary demand. Brandt is reportedly seeking a contract worth at least €4 million per season, a significant commitment but one Roma consider manageable given the absence of a transfer fee.
Alajbegovic Remains a Priority
Landing Brandt on a free transfer would also allow Roma to devote more resources to other targets.
One name high on the club’s wishlist is Dino Alajbegovic, the highly rated young talent currently under contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
Roma have been pushing for an answer from the player and have reportedly received encouraging signals. Alajbegovic recently described Roma as a “top club” and expressed his readiness for Serie A, a statement viewed internally as a green light for negotiations.
Leverkusen are believed to be asking for more than €25 million, and Roma’s incoming sporting structure, expected to include Tony D’Amico, will try to negotiate a lower fee before the player’s value potentially rises during the World Cup.
Gasperini’s Roma Beginning to Take Shape
The pursuit of Brandt reflects a broader strategy emerging in the capital. Roma are looking for experienced players capable of making an immediate impact while preserving funds for younger, high-upside investments.
A free-agent signing of Brandt would represent exactly that type of move: low risk, proven quality, and a player tailor-made for Gasperini’s system.
If Malen’s recruitment efforts succeed, Roma could soon reunite one of Dortmund’s most productive partnerships and add a proven European creator to a squad aiming to challenge both domestically and in the Champions League.
