Roma target Antonio Nusa as costly valuation pushes club toward Jean‑Matteo Bahoya alternative
Roma pursue Antonio Nusa but Leipzig’s €55–60m valuation stalls talks, pushing the club toward Eintracht winger Jean‑Matteo Bahoya as an affordable option.
AS Roma have intensified their pursuit of Antonio Nusa but face a significant obstacle in RB Leipzig’s demanding valuation, which could redirect the club toward Eintracht Frankfurt’s Jean‑Matteo Bahoya as a more affordable option. Antonio Nusa remains Roma’s preferred target, with the Norwegian reportedly open to a move to the Italian capital. Negotiations are complicated by Leipzig’s view that Nusa is a key asset and should command a premium fee this summer. Roma officials are understood to be weighing feasibility and budgetary impact as they plan next steps.
Roma weigh Antonio Nusa transfer amid steep Leipzig valuation
Leaked figures and market assessments place RB Leipzig’s valuation for Antonio Nusa in the region of €55–60 million, a level that Roma executives consider prohibitive given their current transfer budget and wage structure. That price tag substantially exceeds the fee Leipzig paid when acquiring Nusa from Club Brugge in 2024, and it forces Roma to evaluate the financial logic of the deal against other squad-building priorities.
Club sources indicate Roma still rate Nusa highly for his versatility on the wing and his capacity to influence big matches, particularly after his contributions at the 2026 World Cup. However, sporting directors must balance ambition with realism, and the gap between Roma’s valuation ceiling and Leipzig’s asking price has opened discussions about alternative targets who could provide similar upside at a lower cost.
Leipzig’s stance and the club’s summer sales imperative
RB Leipzig have signaled reluctance to part with Nusa unless they receive an offer reflecting his market value, driven by the player’s age, recent form and potential resale value. The club’s sporting plan typically prioritizes retaining young talent to sustain on-field competitiveness, but financial imperatives this transfer window — including the need to fund reinforcements — could soften their resolve.
While Leipzig would prefer to keep Nusa, internal planning acknowledges that standout young players are convertible assets in a market that rewards timely sales. Any approach from Roma must therefore resolve both the valuation gap and provide assurances about the structure and timing of payment to attract Leipzig’s consideration.
Jean‑Matteo Bahoya emerges as a cost-effective alternative
With Leipzig’s demands proving costly, Roma have turned attention toward Jean‑Matteo Bahoya, a 21‑year‑old winger at Eintracht Frankfurt who presents a more budget-friendly profile. Eintracht’s valuation for Bahoya sits significantly lower than Leipzig’s figure for Nusa, with market estimates placing him near the €30 million mark, a sum that aligns more closely with Roma’s current transfer strategy.
Bahoya’s trajectory since joining Eintracht from Angers has been upward, and the French youth international is seen as an exciting attacking prospect capable of developing further under the right coaching. Roma evaluators are believed to value his pace and upside, viewing him as a player who could integrate quickly and offer long‑term resale potential.
Comparing profiles: Nusa’s output versus Bahoya’s speed and potential
Antonio Nusa brings a combination of direct goal threat and international pedigree after scoring in Norway’s round‑of‑32 World Cup victory, attributes that increase both his immediate impact and market valuation. Nusa’s playing style suits high‑tempo attacking systems and he has demonstrated an ability to influence decisive moments at club and international level.
Jean‑Matteo Bahoya’s most prominent attribute is raw pace — he was clocked at exceptional speeds in Bundesliga play — and his technical development has accelerated since joining Eintracht. While Bahoya’s end product is not yet as consistently prolific as Nusa’s, his physical profile, youthful age and relatively modest transfer history make him an attractive investment for clubs prioritizing growth potential.
Financial calculus and squad-building considerations at Roma
Roma’s transfer planning this summer appears to be guided by a blend of immediate competitive needs and sustainable wage and amortization strategies. A €55–60 million outlay for Nusa would represent a major investment that could restrict activity elsewhere in the squad, while a lower‑cost acquisition such as Bahoya would free funds for reinforcements in other positions.
Beyond raw transfer fees, Roma must consider wage demands, agent costs and potential add‑ons, all of which affect the final expenditure picture. Sporting directors are weighing whether to commit a large portion of the budget to a proven performer or pursue a cheaper, high‑upside option who might require more time to reach peak impact.
Possible negotiation scenarios and the likely timeline
Several scenarios remain open: Roma could submit a structured bid that approaches Leipzig’s valuation across installments and performance triggers, they could withdraw and focus on alternative targets like Bahoya, or they could pursue both players in parallel while prioritizing one depending on progress. Each path carries different risks for squad continuity and financial planning.
Timing will be critical: Leipzig’s need to complete calculations for the window may pressure them to engage, while Eintracht’s business model of developing and selling emerging talents means a suitably sized offer for Bahoya could be met with serious consideration. Clubs on all sides are likely to move cautiously in the coming weeks as preseason schedules compress and roster decisions become urgent.
Roma face a balancing act between ambition and prudence, evaluating whether Antonio Nusa’s proven quality justifies a record outlay or whether Jean‑Matteo Bahoya’s lower cost and high ceiling better suit the club’s medium‑term plan. The outcome will hinge on negotiations, the structure of any bids, and how both Bundesliga clubs prioritize sport and finance this transfer window.
Roma have signalled clear appetite for attacking reinforcements, but the club’s next move will depend on bridging valuation gaps and aligning offers with sporting objectives. The coming weeks should clarify whether Antonio Nusa remains the priority or whether Jean‑Matteo Bahoya will emerge as the more practical solution.
