Kevin Danso has reportedly said yes to AS Roma, right as Paulo Dybala was declining an offer from Saudi Arabia. The versatile defender from RC Lens, who has been hailed as the best in his position during the last Ligue 1 season, has expressed a strong interest in joining the Giallorossi. Dybala’s decision to stay might not significantly change Roma’s plans, as they were already considering attacking options like Riquelme or Boga with the savings from Dybala’s salary.
In defense, Roma still needs to fill a crucial spot, possibly linked to potential transfers for Chris Smalling or Tammy Abraham. Tiago Djaló from Juventus has been an easier option, but now the chance to secure Danso has caught the attention of the Friedkin family. Negotiations are expected to be challenging, especially since Lens is asking for €23 million plus €2 million in bonuses. This is a notable figure, but Roma hopes to negotiate down, leveraging Danso’s eagerness to move and Lens’s need to secure a large profit from his transfer.
Born in Austria to Ghanaian parents, Danso was brought to Lens by Ghisolfi from FC Augsburg for just €5.5 million. His value has skyrocketed to four times that amount thanks to an outstanding performance in Ligue 1, where he was named the league’s best defender, attracting interest from clubs like Inter and Atalanta.
Danso is a multifaceted player—all thanks to his unique background. He holds three passports, speaks four languages, and spent much of his youth balancing rugby and football. His physical strength, quickness, and tactical intelligence can be attributed in part to his rugby experience. At just six years old, he moved to Milton Keynes in England, where he began dual training in rugby and football, initially drawn to cinema and karate but ultimately choosing football after excelling in rugby.
Throughout his youth, he impressed coaches and made the leap from striker to midfielder and finally to defense, where he truly flourished as a key player for Lens, pushing for the title against PSG until the final matchday. Off the pitch, Danso is also active in social causes, having initiated a project in Styria aimed at helping those in need, recalling his own family’s struggles in the past.
Kevin Danso’s journey from a challenging upbringing on concrete pitches to the top tier of Italian football embodies the kind of resilience and skill that AS Roma is seeking to reinforce their squad. With the transfer window still open, it remains to be seen if this promising talent will indeed make his way to the Serie A under the guidance of coach Daniele De Rossi.