Chris Smalling and more: Roma sells to Saudi Arabia

Decidedly active day for the Giallorossi.

Calciomercato Roma: for a new arrival at Daniele De Rossi’s court, two players are leaving the capital. On Monday evening, in fact, the Giallorossi club welcomed Mario Hermoso, but said goodbye to youngster Joao Costa and especially Chris Smalling. In fact, the sale of both to Saudi Arabia on a permanent basis was official.

"AS Roma announces that it has sold Chris Smalling to Al Fayha, outright,” reads the Giallorossi’s official note. The English defender, who arrived in the Giallorossi in the summer of 2019, has collected 155 appearances and 10 goals. In the 2021-22 season, he contributed to the team’s success in the Conference League. The club wishes Chris the best of luck in his future".

"AS Roma reports that it has sold Joao Costa permanently to Al-Ettifaq. Brought up in the Giallorossi youth sector, the Brazilian striker has collected 5 appearances between Serie A and Europa League with the Roma shirt. Good luck for the future, Joao!", è the other note from the capital club.

Smalling’s place in Roma will in fact be taken by Mario Hermoso, whose signing on a zero-parameter basis was also announced on Monday. A left-handed defender who can play both central and left-back, the 29-year-old wore the Atletico Madrid jersey until last season.