According to previous reports from "Gazzetta dello Sport", an American consortium named "New England Sports Ventures" is currently in negotiations with the Rothschild family regarding the acquisition of AS Roma. Previously, there had been several rounds of negotiations between both parties in Rome and New York. New England Sports Ventures assured that they would make a bid between January 15th and January 20th. On January 4th, the latest report from "Il Messaggero" showed that the American consortium was just one step away from taking over Roma. Currently, there is only a 10% gap left between them and UniCredit Bank. At present, this American consortium has decided to appoint former Roma sports manager Frank Baldini as the general manager. Then, Frank Baldini will serve as the full representative of the new owners within the club.
This Italian media revealed that a few days before Christmas, a group of Italians attended a banquet in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital. They were: Frank Baldini, Gianluca Vialli, and Massimo Mauro. Previously, all three had close ties to Italian football, and football was an unavoidable topic for them. They also mentioned the future of Roma and the renewal of Philippe Mexes' contract. "Il Messaggero" simulated the conversation based on the information they obtained. Frank Baldini said, "Yes, my American friends have acquired Roma FC. Afterwards, I will become the new general manager of Roma." Regarding Mexes, he said, "We have reached an agreement, and he will sign a four-year long-term contract."
It is worth noting that back in 2004, it was then-manager Baldini who strongly advocated for Roma to sign Mexes, and their private relationship is extraordinary. There has been progress in the change of ownership of Roma and the renewal of Mexes' contract. On January 4th, "Il Messaggero" disclosed that the American consortium was close to taking over Roma, with only a 10% gap remaining between them and UniCredit Bank. After the American consortium takes over, former Roma sports manager Frank Baldini will return to the Giallorossi. It is reported that Baldini has secretly reached an agreement with Mexes to renew his contract for four years.
Regarding the rumor of Frank Baldini returning to Roma, "Roma News Network" interviewed Massimo Mauro on January 4th. He stated, "I hope Frank Baldini returns to Roma because he is an excellent sports manager. Recently, I went skiing in Cortina d'Ampezzo, and I just came back last night. In South Africa, I discussed some business matters with my friends. A year ago, I knew that Angelini was interested in acquiring Roma. If Angelini takes over Roma, Frank Baldini will also be entrusted with important responsibilities. However, I know nothing about what happened afterward. Currently, Adriano is facing many issues. However, Roma is trying every possible way to help him recover. I hope the young man can repay the efforts of Roma's management."
In addition to renewing key players' contracts, the new owner also intends to find a renowned coach to take charge of Roma. Currently, Ranieri's contract with Roma has only six months left, and both parties have not yet renewed it. "Il Messaggero" revealed that Frank Baldini might likely search for a famous coach for Roma at that time.