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Topics: Transfer News, Manchester United, Chris Smalling, Saudi Arabia, Roma, Serie A
Alex Brotherton
Topics: Transfer News, Manchester United, Chris Smalling, Saudi Arabia, Roma, Serie A
A former Manchester United player is on the verge of completing a shock move to Saudi Arabia despite the transfer window closing.
The transfer window closed on Friday, August 30, but today the news broke that AS Roma defender Chris Smalling is set to join Saudi Arabian side Al Fayha.
Saudi Pro League clubs can sign players from abroad until 10pm BST on Monday.
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According to reports, former Man United defender Smalling - who has entered the final year of his Roma contract - will sign a contract with Al Fayha valid until 2026.
Smalling will reportedly been named as a substitute for Roma's clash with Juventus on Sunday, before he undergoes his Al Fayha medical in Rome on Monday.
Roma have been linked with World Cup-winning German centre-back Mats Hummels, but according to Fabrizio Romano, they will replace Smalling with free agent Mario Hermoso.
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Smalling joined Roma in 2019 after nine years at Manchester United, where he made 323 appearances and won two Premier League titles.
In Italy the centre-back helped Roma win the inaugural UEFA Conference League in 2021-22 and reach the Europa League final the following year.