Houssem Aouar has reportedly agreed to sign for AS Roma once his contract expires with Olympique Lyon at the end of June and should the move be made official, it will be his first time playing for a club outside of France.
The 24-year-old came through the youth system of Les Gones, and he has featured in the senior squad since 2017, but his time with the Ligue 1 club will come to an end at the conclusion of the 2022/23 campaign.
Sky Sport Italia, via getfootballnewsitaly.com, reports that both Aouar and Roma have reached an agreement, and all that is missing are the signatures on the necessary paperwork.
Il Tempo has also confirmed the news, and it also reported that the Giallorossi wanted the French-Algerian in the previous summer. Now the club from the Eternal City are set to get their man.
AS Roma beat Manchester United and Real Betis to Aouar signature
Although AS Roma look to have secured Aouar’s signature, the French midfielder was linked with moves to English giants Manchester United and Spanish club Real Betis. The Red Devils apparently enquired about him in January and the Andalusians were eager to sign him.
All three clubs will likely feature in European competition in 2023/24 as well. Betis are likely to secure at least a Europa League spot with two rounds of LaLiga action remaining while United need one point from two games to qualify for the Champions League.
Roma are likely to qualify for the Europa League, but a victory against Sevilla in this year’s final will secure an automatic place in the Champions League for next season. Given that they are not guaranteed Champions League football, the Giallorossi have done a great job to convince Aouar to sign for them.
Aouar brings added versatility to AS Roma midfield
During his time with Lyon, Aouar has shown his ability to play as a central midfielder or in an advanced role behind the strikers.
Injuries have impacted his campaign, having made just 15 appearances throughout the 2022/23 Ligue 1 season. However, he is a player with plenty of experience in the French league and has featured in several European fixtures.
Aouar was an instrumental part of Lyon’s semi-final run in the 2019/20 Champions League, which included eliminating Juventus in the Round of 16. In that edition, he played eight matches, scoring once and supplying six assists.
If he can stay fit and bring that kind of form to Rome, the French midfielder can give the Giallorossi some much-needed creativity.
