Netherlands midfielder Marten de Roon has left Atalanta after ten seasons and signed a one-year contract with AS Roma. The 35-year-old international completed the move this week, as reported by NOS Sport. In Rome, he reunites with his former Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini and joins fellow Dutch players Donyell Malen and Devyne Rensch.
De Roon had become a club icon at Atalanta, making a record 445 total appearances for the side. The highlight of his time in Bergamo was winning the Europa League in 2024, though he missed the final due to injury. He returned to Italy in 2017 after a year with English club Middlesbrough, which he joined from sc Heerenveen in 2016.
What does the transfer mean for the Netherlands?
De Roon's move to Roma coincides with a strong period for the Dutch national team. The Netherlands currently sits first in their World Cup qualifying group with seven points from three games. The team has scored ten goals and conceded four, for a goal difference of plus six. They hold a two-point lead over Japan.
The last result was a 1-1 draw with Morocco on June 30th. The squad is unbeaten in its last five matches, with three wins and two draws. The next major test is a home fixture against Germany on September 24th, a match you can find on our fixtures page. De Roon, a 44-cap international, will aim to continue contributing his experience to the national side.
Who does De Roon join in Rome?
In the Italian capital, the Dutchman links up with a familiar face and new teammates. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini, under whom he thrived at Atalanta, is now in charge at Roma. The dressing room also includes compatriots Donyell Malen, who recently scored a hat-trick, and Devyne Rensch. Further reinforcement comes from Moroccan international Anass Salah-Eddine.
This assembly is meant to help AS Roma in domestic competition, while the Netherlands continues its qualifying campaign. The current standings and statistics for the Dutch national team can be followed on our standings and stats pages.
How does De Roon look back on his Atalanta years?
His departure marks the end of an era. Marten de Roon played more matches for Atalanta than any other player in the club's history. He grew into a mainstay and a leader on the pitch. Missing the Europa League final through injury was a personal disappointment, but the title itself remained the pinnacle.
His club career began in 2015, was interrupted by a year in England, and took its definitive shape from 2017 onward. His consistency and commitment made him a fan favourite in Bergamo. Now a new chapter begins in Rome, where his experience should be valuable in a team hosting several Dutch internationals.
What is the context of other Netherlands news?
While De Roon continues his club career, other developments surround the Dutch national team. Memphis Depay and Corinthians have parted ways, raising questions about his club future. Xavi, who is being presented today, reportedly has plans for the Netherlands setup. Elsewhere, there was a hat-trick from Steven Bergwijn in Saudi Arabia and Tijjani Reijnders scored his first goal.
The focus for the national team now is on continuing its successful qualifying campaign. With an unbeaten run and top spot, the team has a strong position. The coming weeks are important for finalising the squad, which you can view in our squad overview, ahead of the match against Germany.
