Dan and Ryan Friedkin have made a significant move in the transfer market by securing Artem Dovbyk, marking it as a potential blockbuster deal for AS Roma. The 38 million euro transfer, including bonuses, positions Dovbyk among the most expensive signings in the club’s history. This acquisition highlights the Friedkin family’s growing influence as they work to persuade a player to join their project at Roma.
Dovbyk, the top scorer in the recent La Liga, revealed to his agent that he chose Roma over Atletico Madrid after a crucial conversation with Dan Friedkin. The American owner has previously been directly involved in securing talents like Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku, but this time, he faced tough competition and needed to negotiate a significant transfer fee.
The challenge wasn’t just about convincing Dovbyk; the Friedkins also had to persuade Girona, the player’s current club and part of the City Football Group, known for their financial strength. The relationship between Dan Friedkin and Ferran Soriano, CEO of City Football Group, proved to be vital. The two held several discussions regarding Dovbyk prior to the breakthrough deal.
Friedkin successfully communicated to Soriano that joining Roma would be beneficial not just for Dovbyk but also for Girona, especially after the player rejected a move to Atletico, which had put previous negotiations at risk. Throughout this process, the Friedkins maintained consistent communication with Dovbyk and Girona’s executives, ensuring every step towards completing the deal was carefully managed.
Following their rejection from Everton, the Friedkin family has committed to strengthen the Roma squad further, with two more signings expected soon, including one player likely named Pubill. This proactive approach illustrates their ambition to significantly enhance the team’s performance and push for a Champions League spot.
With exciting plans underway for a new stadium in Pietralata and increasing revenue through sponsorships, AS Roma appears set to invest in their squad more freely than ever before. However, fans should brace for a hectic scene at Ciampino airport as Dovbyk arrives, symbolizing a new chapter for the club.