Stuck With a Bloated Wage Bill, AS Roma Are Looking To The Saudi Pro League For Help Trimming The Fat By Offering Chris Smalling

With the recent appointment of club legend Daniele De Rossi as manager, AS Roma is embarking on a new era, prioritizing financial stability. The club is actively exploring a deal with Saudi Pro League sides in this pursuit. This move could potentially see the departure of former Manchester United defender, Chris Smalling, and significantly reduce their wage bill.

Smalling, 34, has been at the club since 2019 and has been a mainstay in the squad. However, his importance in the squad has diminished recently, with the Englishman making only 8 appearances in the 2023-24 Serie A season. This has been due to different injuries throughout the season.

With Chris Smalling’s contract set to expire in 2025, this summer window represents AS Roma’s last opportunity to capitalize on the player and significantly reduce their wage bill. As one of the highest earners, Smalling’s sale is a pressing matter for the club, which is currently grappling with financial constraints.

The potential move to the Saudi Pro League holds promising outcomes for all stakeholders. For Smalling, a shift to a less demanding league would offer ample recovery time, ensuring his fitness. AS Roma would significantly reduce their wage bill, using the funds to strengthen the squad with young talent. The Saudi Pro League team securing Smalling’s services would gain a seasoned locker room leader with a wealth of experience from winning titles in England and Italy.