Roma in talks over a move for Yannick Carrasco – but there’s one huge stumbling block

Roma are looking to bring Yannick Carrasco in before the transfer window closes but one major issues threatens to derail the deal.

The Giallorossi have made a verbal loan offer to Al-Shabab for the 32-year-old, who’s keen on a return to European football.

The former Atletico Madrid star has already reached out to his ex-teammate Mario Hermoso, who currently plays for Roma, on what life is like at the club as he looks to boost his chances of playing in this summer’s World Cup.

Roma’s sporting director Frederic Massara confirmed their interest in Carrasco on Sunday, saying that Carrasco is “a talented player” whilst acknowledging that deals are “never easy to do” in the January window.

Yannick Carrasco’s mammoth wages are an issue for Roma

Despite Roma’s interest and the player’s willingness to make the move, Carrasco’s enormous salary at Al-Shabab is threatening to derail the move.

Carrasco currently reportedly earns an eye-watering €13million-per-year in Saudi Arabia, a figure that dwarfs any wage in Serie A.

This presents a major financial challenge for Roma, who’d need either Carrasco to accept a massive pay cut to join or for Al-Shabab to subsidize a portion of his wages for the loan deal to go through.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Roma are still locked in talks with Carrasco’s representatives and Al-Shabab, with the hope that they can secure a loan deal with the Saudi club.

Roma have already brought in Donyell Malen and Robinio Vaz this month, but manager Gian Piero Gasperini is still looking to bring in more attacking depth, especially on the left where they are light on options. Roma are also eyeing up a move for Matteo Ruggeri for options further back.

Belgium star Carrasco eyes World Cup spot with European return

Carrasco’s desire to return to European football would not only see him come back to playing at a higher level, but also boosts his chances of playing at this summer’s World Cup in North America.

The versatile winger has enjoyed a distinguished career that’s taken him from Monaco to Atletico Madrid, where he scored the equalizer in the 2016 Champions League final against Real Madrid.

After a spell in China, he returned to Atletico in 2020 and helped them win La Liga before moving to Al-Shabab in September 2023 for €15m.

Carrasco has 92 caps for Belgium and has featured at multiple major tournaments for his country. He was a part of the 2018 World Cup squad where the Red Devils finished third.

Carrasco knows that playing regular competitive football in Europe will help his chances of making the plane for Belgium, who have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup after winning their qualifying group.