Lyon’s Algerian midfielder Houssem Aouar has been on Roma’s radar for quite some time, especially after Nicolo Zaniolo was cast away from the first team. And after months of speculation, the soon-to-be free agent has shaken hands with Roma’s representatives.The 24-year-old Algerian star has had a miserable season in terms of injuries. He made just 14 Ligue 1 appearances and ended his Lyon career at a low point. But it wasn’t supposed to be that way. For example, he had six goals and four assists in 36 appearances last season, making him one of Lyon’s leaders. But the painful inconsistency of Les Lyonnais over the past several years. And saying goodbye was always on the cards, except many had tipped the talented star to move to a bigger club. There were talks of Arsenal and Manchester United scouting him over the last two years – but neither of those clubs offered to take the talented playmaker.##NAJAVA_MECA_7234389##Aouar will join a team that’s often been a shelter to inconsistent players with plenty of talent. Perhaps Jose Mourinho is the coach to get in the Algerian’s head and transform him from a talented maverick into the player Lyon’s fans and coaches believed they had on their hands.🚨Total agreement reached between AS Roma and Houssem Aouar. The 24-year-old Algerian will join the Italian club freely after 7 seasons with Lyon…✅🇩🇿 pic.twitter.com/9XIb4HcwGc— Adjor🔱 (@thekingadjor) May 7, 2023 Roma’s general manager Tiago Pinto has found his first recruit of what will be a pivotal transfer window for the capital club. A Champions League spot is slipping away from the Giallorossi, but they’re still in with a chance of winning the Europa League and thus qualifying for next season’s UCL. Roma will hand Aouar a five-year contract and count their prayers they’ve finally found someone who would do what Georginio Wijnaldum was supposed to do this season. Injuries have hampered the Dutchman, so Roma’s decided to replace him with another injury-prone player. It doesn’t look very encouraging, but ultimately, the prospect of signing such a talented player on a free transfer was too tempting for Roma to pass.
