Roma Evaluates Morato as Ziolkowski’s Departure Beckons
Roma are exploring the possibility of signing Morato as a suitable replacement for Jan Ziolkowski, who is nearing a move away from the club.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio and Sky Sports UK, Nottingham Forest centre-back Morato is one of the candidates under consideration, with a loan move appearing to be the most likely arrangement if a deal materializes.
ATHENS, GREECE – JANUARY 29: Jan Ziolkowski of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Panathinaikos FC and AS Roma at Spyros Louis on January 29, 2026, in Athens, Greece. (Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)
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Roma want a defender in before sanctioning Ziolkowski exit
The timing is crucial. Ziolkowski is poised to join Monza on a loan deal that includes an option to buy, but Roma will delay that move until they finalize an incoming defender. This intertwines both transfers as the deadline for the transfer window approaches.
Morato, who made the switch to Nottingham Forest from Benfica in 2024, has struggled to secure consistent playing time at the City Ground. The 25-year-old began his career at the Palmeiras academy before transferring to Portugal.
NEWPORT, WALES – AUGUST 04: Gian Piero Gasperini looks on before the pre-season friendly match between Newport County and AS Roma at Rodney Parade on August 04, 2026, in Newport, Wales. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
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Currently, Gian Piero Gasperini lists Gianluca Mancini, Evan N’Dicka, Mario Hermoso, and Konstantinos Koulierakis as his primary options in a back three. Both Hermoso and Koulierakis participated in Monday’s 4-0 win over Fiorentina.
Roma are assessing Morato as a potential replacement for Jan Ziolkowski, with the Poland defender close to leaving the club.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, and Sky Sports UK, the Nottingham Forest centre-back is among the names under consideration and a loan move is the likely structure for any deal.
ATHENS, GREECE – JANUARY 29: Jan Ziolkowski of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Panathinaikos FC and AS Roma at Spyros Louis on January 29, 2026 in Athens, Greece. (Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)
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Roma want a defender in before sanctioning Ziolkowski exit
The sequencing matters. Ziolkowski is set to join Monza on loan with an option to buy, but Roma will not authorise that departure until they have secured an incoming defender, leaving both moves dependent on one another with days of the window remaining.
Morato joined Forest from Benfica in 2024 and has found regular minutes hard to come by at the City Ground. The 25-year-old came through the Palmeiras academy before his move to Portugal.
NEWPORT, WALES – AUGUST 04: Gian Piero Gasperini looks on before the pre-season friendly match between Newport County and AS Roma at Rodney Parade on August 04, 2026 in Newport, Wales. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
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Gian Piero Gasperini currently has Gianluca Mancini, Evan N’Dicka, Mario Hermoso and Konstantinos Koulierakis as his senior options in a back three, with Hermoso and Koulierakis both featuring in Monday’s 4-0 win over Fiorentina.
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