Prominent Italian newspapers, most notably La Gazzetta dello Sport, have reported that AS Roma are seriously interested in signing Belgian winger Yannick Carrasco from Saudi Arabian club Al-Shabab during the winter transfer window. Sources indicate that the Giallorossi have already begun preliminary talks with their counterparts at the Saudi club, making a verbal offer to loan the player until the end of the current season.
Background to the deal and the player's ambitions:
This move comes as Carrasco expresses his clear desire to return to competing at the highest level in Europe. Following his high-profile transfer from Atlético Madrid to the Saudi Professional League in the summer of 2023, the veteran winger is keen to secure a regular starting place in the Belgian national team. With Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup approaching, Carrasco believes that playing in a competitive league like Serie A will significantly improve his chances of remaining in the plans of Belgium's national team coach, Domenico Tedesco.
The importance of the deal for AS Roma:
For its part, Roma sees Carrasco as a valuable addition capable of providing the team with diverse attacking options. The player is known for his ability to play on both the left and right wings, in addition to his exceptional individual skills, speed, and long-range shooting ability. Roma's then-manager, José Mourinho, was looking for experienced players to bolster the team's attack, which was competing in Serie A and the Europa League. Despite the financial challenges the club might face, the loan option represents a suitable temporary solution to meet the team's technical needs without incurring exorbitant transfer fees.
Potential impact on the Saudi Roshan League:
This potential move highlights the challenges Saudi clubs face in retaining international stars in the long term, especially those who still have international ambitions with their national teams. While the league has succeeded in attracting big names, maintaining their international competitiveness remains a strong incentive for some players to return to Europe. The success or failure of Carrasco's transfer could shape the future of European clubs' dealings with Saudi league players in upcoming transfer windows.
