9French-born Algerian midfielder Houssem Aouar has completed a move to Italian side AS Roma on a free transfer.
The 24-year-old has reportedly signed a five-year contract with the Giallorossi that will run until June 30, 2028, following the expiration of his contract with French side Olympique Lyon.
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#ASRoma | @HoussemAouar pic.twitter.com/3kezXAKXvI— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) June 11, 2023
Roma announced the signing of the dynamic midfielder on their official website on Sunday.
“I’m very happy to have signed for Roma, because they’re a great club with a great history,” Aouar said.
“I think it’s the right project for me, with a big team, quality players, and a unique fanbase. I’m now a Giallorossi player, and I’m ready to go.”
Aouar departs Lyon after spending about 14 years progressing through the ranks, from the youth academy to the first team, where he made his debut in 2017 at the age of 18.
He made 233 appearances for Lyon, scored 41 goals, and provided 36 assists. He departs the French League after 179 appearances, scoring 30 times and providing 24 assists.
Roma General Manager, Tiago Pinto, praised their signing and revealed the main reason for his acquisition.
“Aouar is a young player who’s already made more than 250 professional appearances. He has technical quality and the prerequisites to keep getting better,” Pinto said.
“His desire to come to Roma, despite having attracted interest from several top clubs, is a source of satisfaction for us all.”
Aouar, who had only played once for the French national team, switched his allegiance to his parents’ country of birth, Algeria, this March.
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— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) June 11, 2023
The midfielder has opted to wear the No. 22 shirt for Jose Mourinho’s men for the upcoming season but will be in action for the Desert Warriors after he was called up by head coach Djamel Belmadi for their upcoming matches this June.
