Chris Smalling: Manchester United defender completes €20m Roma transfer with minute to spare

Smalling’s paperwork was filed moments before Itay’s transfer deadline

Mark Critchley

Northern Football Correspondent

Monday 05 October 2020 16:00 EDT

Comments

Roma defender Chris Smalling (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

Support Now

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Chris Smalling, Manchester United’s longest-serving player, has completed his long-awaited €20m (£18.1m) move to AS Roma at the last minute.

The 30-year-old defender spent last season on loan at the Serie A club and impressed during his time at the Stadio Olimpico.

United and Roma failed to reach an agreement on a permanent deal before Smalling’s loan spell ended back in August.

The England international trained alone at Carrington upon his return to Manchester in preparation for a move away, though the prospect of him resurrecting his United career grew as talks dragged on.

Smalling’s move to Roma appeared dead in the water at one stage on Monday when the Serie A club switched their attentions to Chelsea’s out-of-favour centre-back Antonio Rudiger.

But a late turnaround saw United and Roma agree an initial fee of €15m (£13.1m) with an additional €5m (£4.5m) in add-ons.

Paperwork necessary for the transfer to be confirmed was filed with the Italian Football Federation with a minute to spare before Serie A’s 8pm local time deadline.

In a statement, United said: "Everyone at Manchester United would like to thank Chris for his years of service, dedication and professionalism, and wish him all the best for his future.

Smalling made a total of 323 appearances for United after joining from Fulham in 2010, scoring 18 goals.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies