Saelemaekers Finds a Home at Roma
Alexis Saelemaekers, the Belgian wing-back, has quickly found a comfortable home at AS Roma. Despite a promising preseason with Milan, Saelemaekers was loaned to Roma for the season, part of a deal that saw Tammy Abraham move to Milan. In a recent interview with Idealista, Saelemaekers expressed his deep satisfaction with his current situation. “Yes, I’m happy at Roma. I found an environment that welcomed me with great affection and fans who supported me right away. This was very important for me,” he shared. The warmth and support of the Roma community have undoubtedly played a significant role in his successful adaptation to the new club.
Excelling in a New Role
Saelemaekers has not only settled well off the pitch but has also excelled on it. Under the tactical guidance of head coach Claudio Ranieri, he has thrived in his new wing-back role. With six goals and four assists in 23 games across all competitions, Saelemaekers has become a vital player for Roma. His performances have earned him praise from both the fans and the coaching staff. The Belgian’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively has made him a valuable asset to the team, solidifying his importance to Roma’s success this season.
Financial Considerations and Future Uncertainty
While Saelemaekers is happy at Roma, the financial aspects of his future remain in flux. According to Calciomercato.com, there was an initial verbal agreement between Roma and Milan on a valuation of €8-10m for Saelemaekers during the summer transfer window. However, the complexities of balancing the deal, particularly regarding the value of Tammy Abraham, led both clubs to settle for a season-long loan. This arrangement, while satisfactory at the time, has now become a source of tension.
The Changing Demands from Milan
In January, Roma and Milan held a meeting to discuss Saelemaekers’s future. During this meeting, Milan’s CEO, Giorgio Furlani, made a surprising request for over €25m to sell Saelemaekers permanently. This substantial increase in the valuation has left Roma feeling nervous about the possibility of finalizing the transfer. The significant gap between the initial agreement and the new demand has created uncertainty and is likely to influence the negotiations in the coming days.
Roma’s Determination and Possible Compromise
Despite the financial demands, Roma remains committed to bringing Saelemaekers on a permanent basis. The club is exploring various options and intends to intensify its contacts with Milan to find a mutually agreeable solution. The feeling among the Roma management is that an agreement can be reached at a midpoint, around €20m. This compromise would allow Roma to secure Saelemaekers’s services while also satisfying Milan’s financial expectations. The outcome of these negotiations will largely depend on Saelemaekers’s willingness to stay at Roma and his continued strong performances on the field.
Looking Forward
As the transfer window approaches, the situation surrounding Saelemaekers will undoubtedly be closely monitored by fans and stakeholders alike. The positive impact he has had on Roma, both on and off the pitch, makes his potential permanent move a compelling storyline. While the financial hurdles are significant, Roma’s determination to secure Saelemaekers and the player’s own happiness at the club offer hope for a favorable resolution. For now, Saelemaekers remains focused on his current role, contributing to Roma’s success and hoping that his future will be decided in a way that benefits all parties involved.
