Aouar set for Saudi Arabia switch

Houssem Aouar of AS Roma contests for the ball against Matteo Gabbia of AC Milan. EPA/STEFAN GOSATTI

Friday Jul 12, 2024. 13:00

Reports in Italy claim that Roma midfielder Houssem Aouar is closing in on a move to Saudi Arabia after spending just one season in Serie A.

The Algeria international, who was born in France, joined the Giallorossi on a five-year contract from hometown club Lyon in July 2023.

However, Aouar struggled to make an impact at the Stadio Olimpico under former manager Jose Mourinho and managed just 16 league appearances, scoring four goals in the process.

His chances of getting more game-time next season appear to be slim after the Eternal City outfit signed Enzo Le Fee from Rennes earlier this week.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the 26-year-old is on the verge of agreeing a deal with Al-Ittihad for an initial fee of €15 million, although Nice and Qatari side Al-Sadd have also been credited with an interest in acquiring his signature.

Aouar was part of the Fennec Foxes squad that failed to progress beyond the group stages at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where he featured against Angola and Mauritania.