His contract will expire in June, but the defender hasn’t made a decision yet: he dreams of a return to the Champions League
Hot hours for the future by Chris Smalling. The Englishman’s agent, James Featherstone, landed in Italy and this morning he showed up in Trigoria to meet the Roma management. On the table is the renewal issue that general manager Pinto would like the defender to sign. In fact, the contract that binds him to the club will expire in June and, at the moment, the player has not yet decided whether to bind himself (probably until the end of his career) to the yellow and red colors or start a new adventure with another shirt. Smalling’s ambition is to face an important challenge, perhaps returning to play in the Champions League, and-for this-he will not only consider the financial offer but also the club’s plans for the next two years.
CLAUSE
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Theoretically Smalling would have the possibility of extending his contract with Roma for another year – at the same figures currently received – immediately after having reached 50% attendance in the seasonal matches played by the Giallorossi. A unilateral clause in favor of the player, who hasn’t yet chosen what to do. To meet him, Tiago Pinto offered a two-year contract at slightly lower rates than the existing contract. A proposal that does not seem to have thrilled the English entourage too much. This is why, in the last few hours, the parties have decided to meet with the aim of finding a new agreement and continuing on the same path.
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At nearly thirty-four, Smalling still feels capable of contributing to an important adventure. Rome is a second home for him and he would be enthusiastic about continuing his experience in yellow and red, provided he receives the right guarantees from a contractual point of view but – above all – in terms of sporting ambitions. In recent weeks, some Serie A clubs – Inter and Juventus – and several Premier League teams have tested the waters with the defender’s agent. Before making a decision, however, Smalling wants to give priority to the club that has bet on him after being left out of Manchester United’s plans. Above all for this reason, today’s match could be of crucial importance for the fate of Smalling and the yellow and red defense. At Trigoria Chris is considered a key player in the balance of José Mourinho’s line. Losing him on a free transfer would be a (perhaps) unforgivable sin.
January 12, 2023 (change January 12, 2023 | 2:43 pm)
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