Manchester United FC have reportedly agreed with AS Roma for a deal involving English defender Chris Smalling. Smalling is a former Red Devils captain and was on-loan at Rome form the start of the season. But now it is reported that both the clubs have agreed for a loan move including a compulsory purchase of Chris Smalling.
Smalling reportedly didn’t belong to Ole’s future long-term goals and was thus offloaded at the start of the season. At the Italian capital, the Englishman has done very well and has turned as one of the best defenders in Serie-A. He is happy in Rome and wants to extend his stay just beyond a single season, and United have obliged.
The Red Devils were reportedly holding out for a transfer fee of £25m for their former captain. But the Romans didn’t want to pay that price due to the losses caused to them because of the corona pandemic. It was also reported that they were ready to look for alternatives if United didn’t lower their £25m ask for Smalling.
AS Roma have paid Manchester United £2.7m for Smalling’s services this season, as the Englishman is on-loan at Rome. The reportedly agreed deal will mean Smalling will stay at Rome on-loan for one more season and then will be purchased by Roma. Both the sides have been in discussion over the last couple of weeks and have come to a joint solution.
Roma will have to pay £2.7m for Smalling’s loan and will also have to pay £15.25m in three instalments. The £15.25m clause will be compulsory as the Romans want to permanently sign the 30-year old centre-back Smalling. Including the £2.7m this year, and £2.7m next year along with the £15.25m, United will get about £21m for Smalling.
This figure will be very close to what United originally demanded for their ex-captain to be offloaded permanently. The Red Devils are looking to recruit new players and want to do it by generating funds by selling the deadwood. The likes of Smalling, Rojo and Sanchez are all reportedly put up for sale already and will generate a good amount if sold.
United might finally be able to generate the much-needed funds by selling their deadwood, to get recruits.
