Roma have sent Tammy Abraham to AC Milan and taken Alexis Saelemaekers in return, both on season-long loan deals.
After investing in Artem Dovbyk earlier this summer, Roma no longer had space for Abraham – and the fact that Eldor Shomurodov scored their first goal of the season further reduced the need for the English striker.
They have been working on placing him elsewhere all summer, with Paulo Fonseca’s Milan leading the charge and now finally taking him away. However, it will initially be on loan, rather than a permanent deal.
In return, Roma have signed Saelemaekers, who spent last season on loan at Bologna from Milan and can cover on either wing or even as a wing-back. Again, the deal is a loan, but it is believed that while Milan have paid €1.5m for Abraham, Saelemaekers’ loan is free.
Belgium international Saelemaekers, who is 25, will wear the number 56 shirt.
Abraham leaves Roma – for now, at least – after 37 goals in 120 appearances for the club.
Giallorossi Yorkshire verdict
While it is a shame to see Abraham go as a group of English Roma supporters, it makes sense given his situation and loss of form.
It might not be the wisest to send him to a rival, but options are limited at this time of year. That said, Abraham has often thrived when he has new challenges, such as when he enjoyed his 27-goal debut season at Roma.
But let’s focus on what Roma have gained. While Saelemaekers isn’t the high-quality starting left-winger fans were hoping for – a day after former target Federico Chiesa went to Liverpool instead – he could be a very valuable asset thanks to his versatility.
He put together some good form with Bologna last season and should carry that momentum with him to Roma, rotating with Stephan El Shaarawy on the left wing.
Maybe he could even play as a right wing-back if Roma use a back three, although they might not have enough centre-backs to do that regularly.
However Roma line up, Saelemaekers has the flexibility to (hopefully) be a useful asset.
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