Chis Smalling has decided to prolong his stay in Roma and accept a new contract. The parties need to iron out the final details, but all indications point toward a complete agreement in short order. The center-back might put pen to paper right after the upcoming Europa League tilt versus Feyenoord, Corriere dello Sport informs.
The Englishman could have stayed in the Italian capital simply by activating a one-year option as he played enough games to trigger it. However, he’ll sign a longer pact, which is what the Giallorossi were looking for.
Smalling is poised to ink a two-year contract with Roma, tying himself down until 2025, when he’ll be 35. The management had tried to get him to agree to a pay cut, but it will be minimal. He currently earns €4M and asked to confirm the sum. Per Calciomercato, he’ll make €3.8M next season and €3.2M the following one, plus add-ons.
Juventus, some Premier League sides, and especially Inter tried interfering in the talks between the veteran and the Giallorossi. He’ll be hoping to finally debut in the Champions League, a competition that has eluded him despite his long career at high levels. He’s the third key member of the squad to strike a deal to stay put in recent weeks after Nemanja Matic and Bryan Cristante.
Our Take on Smalling and Roma
It’s a good get for La Lupa, as they couldn’t have afforded to lose their defensive linchpin since they won’t be able to spend much next summer. And it’s another signal toward José Mourinho extending his Italian sojourn as well.
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