The Briton is in great demand in the Premier League and his transfer would give the club autonomy for other operations. The contracts of El Sharaawy and Wijnaldum to be renegotiated
In the immediate future there is the challenge with Lazio, then the goal of fourth place and the dream of the Europa League. And then? We will see. In the Rome that will take the field in tomorrow’s derby there is a group of players who will determine their own destiny in the coming months. For some it will be performance on the field that will make the difference between staying and leaving, for others the results of the team or a possible negotiation to review the existing contract with the club. Tammy Abraham stands out above all, who this year is struggling to find the feeling with the goal but remains constantly monitored by the Premier League clubs, but there are many elements of José Mourinho’s squad who – currently – are waiting to know their future.
Top player
—
In the light of the stringent rules imposed by UEFA, it is probable that – for the first time since the beginning of the Friedkin era – it will be necessary to sell a player with a top player salary to Trigoria. A possible suspect is precisely Abraham who, from England, continues to be linked to various clubs across the Channel (Chelsea and Aston Villa above all). The Blues can count on the clause in the centre-forward’s contract – he can automatically return to London starting next summer – but, to trigger it, it will be necessary to pay 80 million into Roma’s coffers. An important figure, which will hardly be put on the plate. For this reason, the sale of the number 9 is far from obvious at the moment but, if offers exceeding 50 million should arrive to Fulvio Bernardini, things could change. Future still to be written also for Paulo Dybala who, despite the termination clause on his contract, has sent signals in recent weeks that would lead to the exclusion of an imminent farewell. Although the presence of José Mourinho was instrumental in convincing him to accept the transfer to the capital, Joya feels at home in Rome and does not seem willing to tie her future to that of the Special Ones (which at the moment is not thinking to change the bench). Even the Giallorossi management feel they have found their jewel with the arrival of Dybala and, for this reason, at the end of the season the club would like to try to lock him down by reviewing the conditions of the agreement signed last summer.
Veterans
—
Even Chris Smalling, after weeks of reflection, seems to have convinced himself to extend his experience in Rome. His contract will expire at the end of the season but, in recent days, Tiago Pinto and the defender’s agent met to continue discussing the terms of a renewal that appears to be getting closer. Important news for Special One, which has indicated English as an essential element of its defence. The coach also considers Roger Ibanez non-transferable who, compared to the former United player, has the drawback of being liked by several Premier teams who are thinking of putting more than 30 million on the plate. At the moment there are no negotiations in progress but the Brazilian is one of those players who, during the next market session, risks bringing an offer to Trigoria capable of making Roma waver. Uncertain fate instead for Nemanja Matic. The Serbian will expire in June and the Giallorossi can automatically trigger the renewal for another year. Before binding again however, the midfielder wants to wait to understand the outcome of the season and – above all – Mourinho’s intentions. Different speech for Spinazzola, who has an agreement until 2024. Talks with his agent to extend the agreement have not yet begun and, during the next market session, he risks being included among the expendables. The latest performances of the class of ’93 – who will turn 30 next week – could convince Pinto to pick up the phone and start discussing the renewal.
Heavy engagements
—
There are also the contracts of Stephan El Shaarawy and Georginio Wijnaldum to be re-discussed, at the center of two different situations. The Dutchman, who arrived on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, will have to be redeemed (for 8 million): in order to be able to buy him outright, however, ‘Gini’ will first have to give willingness to lower the salary of 7 million + 3 bonus agreed with the PSG. In fact, the Parisians currently pay part of the midfielder’s salary. The agreement with the Pharaoh instead will expire in June. Roma have an option to have the agreement renewed by May and, in the coming weeks, Pinto will meet the player’s entourage to understand if there is room for signing a two-year deal at lower figures than those currently received. We all have the prerequisites for continuing the journey together, but now we need to start negotiating.
March 18, 2023 (change March 18, 2023 | 12:50)
© REPRODUCTION RESERVED
