A crucial week lies ahead for Alexis Saelemaekers as his future hangs in the balance. Gordon Stipic, the Belgian winger’s agent, has arrived in Milan to engage in talks with AC Milan, who hold Saelemaekers’ rights, and Roma, who are keen on making his loan move permanent.
Calciomercato detail how Saelemaekers joined Roma last summer in a straight loan deal that saw Tammy Abraham move in the opposite direction. Despite the absence of a purchase option, the former Anderlecht player has become an integral part of Claudio Ranieri’s squad. This season, he has featured in 13 matches across all competitions, contributing 4 goals and 3 assists.
Roma’s sporting director, Florent Ghisolfi, is well aware that the €15 million figure discussed with Milan’s Paolo Moncada last summer is merely a starting point for negotiations. Both clubs are set to engage in talks with the aim of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
Saelemaekers, whose contract with Milan runs until 2027, is content in Rome and open to extending his stay with the Giallorossi. At present, a return to Milan seems unlikely, even with Sérgio Conceição potentially taking over as manager, despite Saelemaekers’ playing style aligning with the Portuguese coach’s football philosophy.
Milan’s management, led by Moncada and Giorgio Furlani, are looking to capitalize on Saelemaekers’ increased value. Any potential negotiations for Tammy Abraham’s permanent move to Milan are currently being treated as a separate matter.
Saelemaekers initially joined Milan in January 2020 on a loan deal worth €3.5 million, with a purchase option set at an additional €3.7 million, which was exercised by Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara the following summer. As of June 30, 2024, his book value stood at approximately €2.5 million.
