Stephan El Shaarawy is set to star in one of the most surprising transfers of the European summer, leaving AS Roma to sign with Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia, where he will earn an impressive €10 million net per season. The 33-year-old winger, now a free agent after the end of his contract with the Italian club, is shocking the football world with this lucrative move to the Middle East, at a time when he was still a key player in Italy.
The Italian international bids farewell to Roma after being instrumental at the end of last season, scoring one of the decisive goals against Hellas Verona, thus securing the much-desired qualification for the Champions League. The “Little Pharaoh's” contract officially ended on June 30, with no renewal offer from the “giallorossi,” paving the way for the next step in his career. According to sources close to the process and the newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, El Shaarawy has already finalized all the details with Al-Shabab and is preparing to sign a contract valid for two seasons, with a salary that is absolutely astronomical by European standards.
THE 2026 WORLD CUP LIVES ON WITH LEGO
The departure of the charismatic forward has not gone unnoticed in Italy or across Europe, as El Shaarawy has amassed a total of 348 official matches and 66 goals during two stints with Roma, having been present at some of the club's most significant moments over the past decade. The player, of Egyptian descent, who has also represented clubs such as Genoa, Milan, AS Monaco, and Shanghai Shenhua, now becomes yet another prominent name to reinforce the Saudi Pro League, in an increasingly evident trend of attracting experienced European players to Saudi football.
The importance of this transfer goes beyond the numbers. El Shaarawy was seen as a reference point in the Roman dressing room, having earned the admiration of fans not only for his performance on the pitch but also for his professionalism. By securing Champions League qualification for Roma, he bids farewell on a high note with a solid legacy. For Al-Shabab, this represents an investment aimed not only at enhancing the squad's quality but also at boosting the club's and the league's international visibility. The player himself is experiencing significant personal changes, as, in addition to the transfer, he recently celebrated his marriage to his long-time partner, Ludovica Pagani, making this phase truly unforgettable.
In recent statements to Roma's official channel, El Shaarawy expressed his gratitude for his journey: “I have always felt at home in this club, I gave everything in every game and I leave with my head held high for having helped Roma return to the Champions League. I take with me fantastic memories and friends for life.” These words, spoken after the last game of the season, demonstrate the player's attachment to the Roman emblem and his awareness of the impact he had on the fans.
The future of “Little Pharaoh” now lies in Saudi Arabia, in a league that is rapidly growing, both financially and in terms of visibility. The arrival of El Shaarawy strengthens the strategy of Saudi clubs to attract renowned figures to accelerate the evolution of the championship, in a clear attempt to rival the top European leagues. For the player, in addition to the sporting challenge, this move represents one of the most lucrative contracts of his career, at a time when he seeks stability and new horizons.
In the coming weeks, an official announcement is expected from Al-Shabab, with the usual media reception and presentation befitting the status of the Italian international. Roma fans lament the departure of one of their most charismatic figures, while followers of the Saudi Pro League eagerly await the debut of what promises to be one of the major stars of the upcoming season. For El Shaarawy, a new adventure begins now, with the challenge of making his mark outside of Europe and proving, at the age of 33, that his talent remains well above average.
O MUNDIAL 2026 VIVE-SE COM A LEGO
NOW YOU CAN FOLLOW THE WORLD CUP WITH ALL THE INFORMATION – HERE
Discover more from Apito Final
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
