Gianluca Di Marzio has recently reported that Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has agreed on personal terms with AS Roma ahead of a potential move this summer. It has been claimed that the Italian side are ready to step up their efforts in the negotiation process with the Red Devils after the English centre-back agreed to pen a one-year deal at Roma (via Gianluca Di Marzio).
Smalling’s Return To Form In Italian Football Last Season
Smalling had the pleasure of experiencing an impressive loan spell with Paulo Fonseca’s side in the previous campaign when he produced a series of dominant displays at the back. The London-born centre-back was involved in 37 matches for the Italian outfit last season, netting three goals and providing two assists on all fronts.
Defensively, the 30-year-old has been in fine form for Roma in the 2019-20 Serie A campaign as he averaged 0.8 tackles, 1.9 interceptions and 4.0 clearances per game in league football. He even has an excellent passing record to show for his efforts after making 90.5% of his attempted passes in the Italian top-flight (stats via whoscored).
The 31-time England international found some consistency with his defensive contributions last season, so it is no wonder that Roma are trying to engineer a move to sign him on a short-term contract during this summer transfer window.
What Does The Experienced Defender Offer On The Pitch?
Smalling has become a decent ball-playing centre-back in Italian football over the past 12 months. He excels at winning the ball back for his side and has used his experience well to neutralise the danger when called into action inside his penalty box. The English centre-half usually takes a no-nonsense approach in the defensive end of the field which explains how he made four clearances per 90 minutes in top-flight football last season.
Should The Red Devils Sanction Smalling’s Departure This Summer?
Currently, Man United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has got a lot of depth in his defensive department with the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe ready to fight for a first-team spot at Old Trafford next season.
Hence, the Norwegian manager has no immediate need for Smalling who had previously struggled to prove his worth in England. Maybe letting him go would be the right move for both parties as it will allow them to move on in search of greener pastures.
However, if the Red Devils are willing to sell one or more of their current defensive options this summer, then Solskjaer should consider retaining Smalling’s services by declining Roma’s move for him this summer. At 30, the ex-Fulham defender has still got a few years left in him to perform at top gear which Man United could look to benefit from in the coming seasons.
