Roma line up Eintracht Frankfurt’s Jean-Mattéo Bahoya as cheaper alternative to RB Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa | OneFootball

Italian sports newspaper Corriere dello Sport reports that AS Roma retain a serious interest in RB Leipzig attacker Antonio Nusa, though the German club’s asking price renders a summer transfer difficult. Roma’s interest had already been confirmed by German tabloid Sport Bild. Now, the Italian publication reports, the Serie club is considering Eintracht Frankfurt’s Jean-Matteo Bahoya as a potential alternative.

The 21-year-old Norwegian international is reportedly open to moving to the Italian capital. Leipzig nevertheless value the winger at approximately €55 million, a sum currently considered too expensive by Il Giallorossi.

Leipzig were previously reported to be demanding at least €60 million for Nusa, who joined the German Red Bulls from Club Brugge for approximately €21 million in 2024.

The Saxon club would prefer to retain Nusa, but their need to complete a significant summer sale means that the Norwegian is not considered completely untouchable.

Nusa further enhanced his reputation during the 2026 World Cup, scoring in Norway’s crucial round-of-32 victory over Côte d’Ivoire. Interest in the attacker had already emerged from several major European clubs before the tournament.

Jean-Matteo Bahoya emerges as more affordable alternative

With Leipzig’s valuation complicating negotiations, Roma are reportedly considering Eintracht Frankfurt winger Jean-Mattéo Bahoya as an alternative.

Frankfurt are said to value the 21-year-old Frenchman at approximately €30 million, making him a considerably more affordable option than Nusa.

Bahoya joined Eintracht from Angers for around €8 million in January 2024. After initially struggling for regular playing time, the France youth international established himself as one of Frankfurt’s most exciting attacking prospects.

The winger’s speed remains his most obvious asset. Bahoya was clocked at 37.16 kilometres per hour during the 2024/25 campaign, setting a Bundesliga speed record that still stands.

The former Angers academy player has previously spoken of feeling increasingly settled in Frankfurt, crediting the club’s French-speaking contingent with helping him adapt to life in Germany.

Eintracht also selected Bahoya as one of the players responsible for representing the club at an important pre-season PR event.

Eintracht nevertheless continue to operate according to a model based on developing young players and selling them for significant profits. An offer approaching €30 million could therefore test the Bundesliga club’s resolve.

Nusa remains Roma’s preferred candidate, but Leipzig’s demands may ultimately force the Serie A side to intensify their pursuit of Bahoya. No concrete offer for either attacker has yet been reported.

GGFN | Peter Weis