Chris Smalling is set to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Fahya in the coming days, with an agreement in place between the player and his new club. The defender is set to complete his medical tests on Monday, September 2, and then sign the contract till 2026.
The 34-year-old has quietly established himself as a regular at Roma since joining the club in 2019 on an initial loan deal from Manchester United. He signed permanently in 2020 for €15 million and has proven to be a solid investment for the Giallorossi.
Chris Smalling to join Al-Fahya from Roma
🚨🇸🇦 Chris Smalling leaves European football and he will play for Al-Fahya FC in Saudi Arabia, here we go!
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2024
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
Like many other footballers from Europe, Smalling will also be making the move to Saudi Arabia for what could possibly be a massive pay rise.
The defender leaves Roma after five seasons and making 155 appearances across all competitions. During this time, he won the Europa Conference League while reaching the finals of the Europa League in the following season, both under Jose Mourinho.
Roma have reached an agreement with Mario Hermoso as their new centre-back, signing as a free agent after leaving Atletico Madrid earlier this summer. They are expected to announce his arrival shortly, once the formalities are completed.
