Chris Smalling May Join Al-Fayha Soon
Former England and Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is nearing a move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Fayha, following nearly a five-year tenure at Roma, which he joined initially on loan in 2019. This is prepared by SSP.
Smalling is expected to be a substitute when Roma faces Juventus in Serie A on Sunday night. Subsequently, he is scheduled for a medical with Al-Fayha on Monday. Provided there are no complications, he will finalize his transfer before the Saudi Pro League's deadline at midnight local time (22:00 BST).
Despite making more than 150 appearances at Roma, Smalling's last season saw him limited to just 12 games due to injury, and he has yet to play this season. Notably, he was part of Roma's squad that won the 2022 Europa Conference League final against Feyenoord and also participated in the Europa League final loss to Sevilla the following year.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Smalling has agreed to terms with Al-Fayha and will sign a contract that extends until June 2026. Lastly, Roma has already prepared for Smalling's exit by acquiring former Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso, who will join the Italian side post the summer transfer window closure.
Over his career, Smalling was instrumental in two Premier League title wins with Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson and earned 31 caps for England, with his latest appearance in 2017.