Reports emerging from Italy suggest that Houssem Aouar, currently with AS Roma, is nearing a move to Saudi Arabia following a somewhat underwhelming season in Serie A.
Aouar, an Algeria international born in France, made headlines when he joined Roma last July from Lyon on a promising five-year contract. However, his tenure at the Stadio Olimpico hasn’t quite lived up to expectations, especially under former manager Jose Mourinho. Despite his potential, Aouar managed only 16 league appearances, netting four goals during his debut season.
With Roma recently securing the services of Enzo Le Fee from Rennes, Aouar’s prospects for regular game-time in the upcoming season appear bleak. This development has reportedly prompted the 26-year-old midfielder to consider a move away from Italy.
According to sources cited in Corriere dello Sport, Aouar is on the verge of finalizing a deal with Al-Ittihad, with an initial transfer fee set at €15 million. However, interest in his services isn’t limited to Saudi Arabia alone, as clubs like Nice in France and Qatari side Al-Sadd have also shown interest in acquiring his signature.
Internationally, Aouar recently featured for Algeria in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations held in Ivory Coast. Despite his efforts, Algeria’s campaign ended in disappointment as they failed to advance past the group stage. Aouar notably appeared in matches against Angola and Mauritania during the tournament.
As Aouar prepares for potential new beginnings in Saudi Arabia, his departure from Roma marks a significant turning point in his career. The move signifies his readiness to explore fresh opportunities and rediscover his form, possibly outside the competitive landscape of European football.
