AS Roma Managed to Offload Chris Smalling and Joao Costa to the Saudi Pro League on Deadline Day
Chris Smalling and Joao Costa will be playing in the Saudi Pro League this season after leaving Serie A’s AS Roma just before the Saudi transfer window closed. Smalling will be joining Al Fayha, while Costa will join Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq.
Due to financial issues at the club, Roma have been actively looking to get Smalling and other players off their books. The former Manchester United defender was on high wages, earning €4 million a year. Additionally, Smalling has been unable to be injury-free for long spells due to the intensity of the competition coupled with his advancing age.
With his leadership experience and capability to perform at a less demanding league, Smalling was on the target list for a number of Saudi Pro League sides but none were able to secure his signature early on during the window. Smalling is reported to have rejected at least two offers.
On transfer deadline day, Al Fayha managed to secure Smalling’s services on a two-year deal. The Englishman will reportedly earn at least €5 million per season. Al Fayha have signed an experienced center-back who won the English Premier League twice, was capped 31 times by the England national team, and won the UEFA Europa Conference League title once, among other honors.
Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq also took advantage of AS Roma’s need to raise funds and acquired the young talents of Joao Costa in a deal worth €9 million. The 19-year-old Portugal U-19 player only made five senior appearances for AS Roma after joining from Corinthians in Brazil.
Both teams will hope their new signings hit the ground running when Saudi Pro League action resumes after the international break. Al Ettifaq have started their season well, winning their first two matches while Al Fayha have lost both of their matches.
