Roma give Beşiktaş a clear “no” over Gollini as focus shifts to Devis Vasquez
Beşiktaş’s search for a new goalkeeper briefly led them to Italy before the club finalized the signing of Devis Vasquez. Before closing the deal for the Colombian shot-stopper, the black-and-whites explored an alternative option in Serie A and sounded out Roma regarding their back-up keeper Pierluigi Gollini.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Beşiktaş made direct contact with the Italian club to discuss the possibility of bringing Gollini to Istanbul. The Turkish side were looking to strengthen competition between the posts and saw the experienced Italian as a short-term solution who could immediately contribute at a high level.
However, the talks with Roma never really got off the ground. The Roman club responded swiftly and decisively, turning down Beşiktaş’s approach. The report states that the technical staff and the board at Roma gave a firm negative answer, leaving no room for negotiation or a second round of discussions.
Roma’s stance was interpreted as a sign that the club still values Gollini as an important member of their squad, despite his role as the second-choice goalkeeper. With a long and demanding season, including domestic league and European commitments, the Italian side preferred to keep depth in this crucial position rather than cash in or send the player out on loan.
Following Roma’s refusal, Beşiktaş quickly adjusted their transfer strategy. Rather than spending more time trying to convince the Italian club or searching for another high-profile name in Europe’s top leagues, the management redirected their efforts towards completing the deal for Devis Vasquez. The Colombian, already on their shortlist, became the primary target and the transfer process accelerated from that moment.
This change of direction underlined how prepared Beşiktaş were for different scenarios. The club had multiple options on the table and avoided being stuck on a single name. Once it became clear that Gollini was unattainable, they moved efficiently and closed the Vasquez transfer without allowing the situation to drag on until the final days of the window.
Gollini’s profile had initially attracted Beşiktaş due to his experience at a high level. The Italian goalkeeper has previously played for several significant clubs and has been exposed to both Serie A and European competitions. For a team looking to balance youth with reliability, such a background naturally appeared appealing. Yet the refusal from Roma demonstrated how difficult it can be to pry away experienced goalkeepers from clubs that rely on squad depth.
By contrast, the choice of Devis Vasquez reflects a slightly different strategic angle. While not as well-known in mainstream European football as Gollini, Vasquez brings physical presence, potential for development and a hunger to prove himself on a bigger stage. For Beşiktaş, this mix of attributes may offer greater upside in the medium term, especially if the technical staff manage to integrate and develop him properly within the team’s system.
From a sporting perspective, the outcome of these negotiations could work in Beşiktaş’s favor. Instead of committing significant resources to a more established name who might have arrived with limited long-term upside, the club opted for a goalkeeper who could grow with the project. In modern football, where squad planning and salary balance are as important as pure talent, such decisions can shape the team’s trajectory over several seasons.
The failed Gollini move also highlights the broader realities of the transfer market. Clubs like Roma, involved in multiple competitions and subject to injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion, increasingly resist parting with quality squad players, even if they are not undisputed starters. A dependable second-choice goalkeeper has become almost as valuable as a first-choice one, especially in clubs with European ambitions.
For Beşiktaş, the key point is that their need between the posts has been addressed, even if the solution is different from the initial idea. The arrival of Vasquez is expected to intensify internal competition for the goalkeeper position, pushing existing players to raise their level. Strong competition often leads to improved performances, which is precisely what the coaching staff will be hoping for as they look to stabilize the team defensively.
Supporters will inevitably compare what might have been with Gollini to what actually happened with Vasquez. However, transfer stories often show that deals that do not materialize can indirectly lead to better fits. If Vasquez adapts quickly, delivers consistent performances and shows progress, the initial rejection from Roma may ultimately be remembered only as a brief side note in Beşiktaş’s transfer window.
In the end, the message from Italy was clear and uncompromising: Roma were not prepared to part ways with Pierluigi Gollini. Beşiktaş accepted that reality without prolonging the saga and turned decisively towards Devis Vasquez. The coming months will reveal whether this pivot proves to be a smart move that strengthens the black-and-whites’ last line of defense and contributes to their ambitions on both domestic and international fronts.