Biggest player signings and sales in AS Roma’s transfer history
Associazione Sportiva Roma, popularly called AS Roma, is a football club founded by Italo Foschi in 1927. Regarded as one of the most decorated clubs in Italy, the Giallorossi has recorded several victories.
In 1961, it won the UEFA Winners’ Cup against Birmingham City in a 2-0 defining moment at the Wankdorf Stadium in Bern, Switzerland. In the 2021/22 season, the legendary Jose Mourinho led the club to win the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League, beating Feyenoord by a lone goal to clinch its first-ever major European trophy. These historic feats wouldn’t have been possible without exceptional players who gave their hearts on and off the pitch.
AS Roma has long been known for its ability to both develop talent and spend big when necessary. And over the years, it has made some headline-grabbing moves in terms of signings and sales. Today we explore the most expensive transfers in Roma’s history, breaking down the club’s top signings, and notable departures.
Top 3 Roma’s Most Expensive Signings
Roma’s strategic investment in top-class talents has led the club to part with astronomical fees on player acquisition on a number of occasions. In this section, we explore Roma’s top three most expensive signings and their impact on the team.
Patrik Schick
From: Sampdoria
When: Summer 2018
Transfer Fee: €42 million
Although he joined for a club-record fee, Patrick Schick initially struggled to settle into the team. However, he eventually found his feet and was best known for finding the back of the net with his powerful shot and dangerous attacking threat. Before the Czech Republic international moved to Bayer Leverkusen in a €26.5m deal, he was invaluable to the Roma squad in creating chances and scoring goals.
Tammy Abraham
From: Chelsea
When: Summer 2021
Transfer Fee: €41 million
Tammy Abraham was another prolific striker who joined from a top club, Chelsea. With his physical presence, finishing ability, and pace, he became a key player for AS Roma in Serie A. He is known for his goal-scoring prowess in the Roma attack, contributing to the club’s top honors in Italy and Europe.
Gabriel Batistuta
From: Fiorentina
When: Summer 2000
Transfer Fee: €36.1 million
Among the world’s most prolific strikers at the time, Argentine icon Gabriel Batistuta was at his absolute best near the turn of the millennium. During a nine-year stint with Fiorentina, whom he joined in 1991, he netted over 150 goals in more than 260 appearances. With his legendary status at the club cemented, Batistuta was yearning for his first league title and opted to join the Giallorossi in the summer of 2000. The capital club shelled out €36.1 million for the Argentine—making him the most expensive player at the time over the age of 30 [record that stood until Leonardo Bonucci’s move to AC Milan in 2017]. He would go on to guide Roma to Scudetto glory as he scored 20 league goals during the club’s Serie A winning campaign in 2001.
Top 3 Roma’s Most Expensive Sales
Besides its record player signings, Roma has made some incredible sales over the years. As expected, these players are solid talents who have won several trophies for the club and given its passionate fans a return on their wagers on several occasions.
Hence, the team felt their absence heavily. This section will explore Roma’s top 3 most expensive player sales. But while you are here, you can visit this website to wager on your favorite football events or other exciting real-money games.
Alisson Becker
To: Liverpool
When: Summer 2018
Transfer Fee: €72.5 million
Alisson’s departure left a void in the heart of Roma’s defense, even until now. He was regarded as one of the world’s best goalkeepers during his time at the club. Six years later, he has recorded several successes on English soil and still retains his world-class status. Roma hasn’t been able to generate a higher transfer fee after Alisson. His quality cost the club but gave them substantial revenue.
Mohamed Salah
To: Liverpool
When: Summer 2017
Transfer Fee: €42 million
Salah, the Egyptian King, has destroyed many turfs in the English Premier League. Before he left Roma, he was known for his goal-scoring ability, running down fullbacks from the wing. Salah was a key player at Roma and a major loss when he was sold. However, his transfer fund generated a good reinvestment, allowing Roma to enjoy success in the following years.
Radja Nainggolan
To: Inter
When: Summer 2018
Transfer Fee: €38 million
Another versatile midfielder who left a blow in the heart of Roma fans is Nainggolan. He could cover multiple positions and every inch of the pitch with his aggressiveness and skills. His departure was a setback for Roma, especially after selling him to a top rival in Serie A.
Conclusion
Roma’s history of transfers has been a mixture of high-profile arrivals and departures. Over the years, the club has splashed astronomical fees on acquiring some players and made a fortune by selling others. While some signings have failed to live up to expectations, others, like Patrik Schick and Tammy Abraham, have made lasting impacts. On the sales side, Roma has seen several key players depart for record fees, a testament to the club’s ability to develop and maintain world-class talent.