Roma have completed the signing of Mat Ryan as their new backup goalkeeper, reportedly on a one-year contract with an option to extend.
Ryan arrives after a spell in the Eredivisie with AZ, but is perhaps best known for his spell in the Premier League with Brighton.
The Australia international was actually linked with Roma around a decade ago, but was a surprise target when it suddenly emerged that the club were close to signing him this year.
Roma have become the 11th club of Ryan’s career, but even though he played regularly for AZ over the past 18 months, he is expected to merely deputise for Mile Svilar in his first spell in Serie A.
Ryan is no stranger to being a backup goalkeeper, since he has held that role for clubs like Arsenal and Real Sociedad in recent years. Now, he replaces Rui Patricio as the elder statesman of Roma’s goalkeeping department.
The 32-year-old has penned a contract that will last for the 2024-25 season, but there will be an option to extend it.
Ryan will wear the number 98 shirt for Roma.
Giallorossi Yorkshire verdict
On the surface, this seems like a smart pickup by Roma. After releasing Rui Patricio, the club have lost some crucial experience in the goalkeeping department. Since Mile Svilar seems capable of being Roma’s number one for the long term, it was no longer necessary to invest in a younger, project-focused goalkeeper. Instead, it was important to replace Patricio’s experience.
At 32 and with experience of various countries and leagues under his belt – but not Serie A until now – Ryan fits the bill. But it’s not just his seniority that appeals; his significant activity with AZ over the past year and a half suggest he will still be on his toes to step up when Roma need him.
And when Roma have various outfield areas to strengthen, the fact they have been able to add a second-choice keeper for free – when the first-choice himself was also a free signing – could be a very shrewd decision in relation to the budget.
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