Roma have wrapped up the negotiation for their first January signing, as they have struck a deal with Bodo/Glimt winger Ola Solbakken. He will join on a free once his contract expires at the end of 2022. He will be tied to the club until 2027, Il Tempo reports.
The Giallorossi and Napoli tried to sign the attacker in the summer. They lowballed the Norwegian side on the fee, given his status, but the counterpart didn’t let go of him. In addition, he suffered a pretty severe shoulder injury in July.
Roma witnessed the prowess of Solbakken first-hand multiple times in the European Conference League last season. The relationship between the two sides was ice-cold following an altercation between coach Kjetil Knutsen and José Mourinho’s assistant Nuno Santos, which didn’t facilitate the talks.
At one point, the Partenopei seemed poised to win the race, especially when the 24-year-old spent time in Italy to get his shoulder checked out. They didn’t take the final step, and the capital side re-gained ground and surpassed them.
The forward recently returned on the pitch and has logged two assists in four matches. He has registered 17 goals and 22 helpers in 82 total appearances with Bodo/Glimt. The Giallorossi will make an attempt to bring him in during the World Cup break, but it’s unlikely for insurance-related reasons. His arrival could speed up the departures of Eldor Shomurodov and Stephan El Shaarawy, who have seen little playing time so far.
Our Take on Roma Signing Solbakken
They surely need all the offensive help they can get, as their backups have been nonfactors so far. It’s a minor gamble, but it’s a cheap one, and they won’t be hurt even if he doesn’t pan out.
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