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Former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is set to leave AS Roma and join Al-Fayha FC, as per reports.
The summer transfer window across Europe slammed shut on Friday, August 30. However, the Saudi Arabian clubs are still in the market, as their transfer business is scheduled to pause on Monday, September 2.
During the final days of the window, it appears Saudi Pro League side Al-Fayha are set to convince another ageing European star to move to the Gulf state.
As per Fabrizio Romano, Smalling is set to play for Al-Fahya, having agreed a contract until 2026.
A deal with his current team, AS Roma, has also been agreed. The Italian journalist adds that the Serie A outfit are now working on signing Mario Hermoso as the 34-year-old Englishman’s replacement.
🚨🇸🇦 Chris Smalling leaves European football and he will play for Al-Fahya FC in Saudi Arabia, here we go!
Deal done with AS Roma and also with the player now as former #MUFC CB will sign contract until 2026.
Medical on Monday in Rome.
AS Roma will sign Hermoso as new CB. pic.twitter.com/QQE1LFg4du
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2024
The Spanish centre-back is available on a free transfer following his exit from Atletico Madrid. Earlier this summer, he was also heavily linked with the Red Devils, who eventually added Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt to their ranks.
Smalling will undergo his medical tests on Monday in Rome before finalising his exit from European football.
The physically imposing central defender has played more than a dozen seasons of top-flight European football, having made his Premier League debut for Fulham in 2009.
A boyhood Arsenal fan, Smalling, caught the attention of United legend Sir Alex Ferguson, who brought him to Old Trafford in 2010 to challenge Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
After 323 appearances and a decade-long stint at United, Smalling permanently parted ways with the Mancunian giants’ for Roma in a deal reported to be worth €20 million. It remains unclear how much the Giallorossi are getting from his transfer to the SPL.
Meanwhile, Smalling’s former long-term defensive partner at Old Trafford, Phil Jones, announced his retirement in August.
The Englishman revealed he has set his sights on a career in management.
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