As the loan spell of Alexis Saelemaekers with AS Roma draws to a close, there is a growing buzz in the air about the winger’s future. Saelemaekers’ impressive performance on loan has sparked interest from multiple parties, with AS Roma and AC Milan being at the forefront.
Last summer’s loan agreement saw Saelemaekers swap places with English striker Tammy Abraham. The deal, which was finalized in the dying moments of the transfer window, did not include an option to buy, leaving the Belgian’s future up in the air. Now, as the season draws to a close, the question on everyone’s lips is: where will Saelemaekers play next season?
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the answer to that question is far from clear. AC Milan faces a plethora of decisions for the upcoming season, and the fate of their loanees, including Saelemaekers, hangs in the balance. The club’s strategy for 2025-26, from the coach to its star players, is yet to be decided.
With Saelemaekers delivering a strong performance on loan, AS Roma is reportedly keen on making his stay permanent. The club has expressed its satisfaction with his contribution and is said to be preparing a strategy to retain him. However, AC Milan seems to hold a different perspective. Reports suggest that the club is open to discussing a permanent move for Saelemaekers but would not let him go for less than €25m-30m.
The situation has been further complicated by the Rossoneri’s request to include Matias Soulé in the deal, following AS Roma’s interest in retaining Saelemaekers post-loan. The Roman club’s head coach, Claudio Ranieri, has added fuel to the fire, confirming that AS Roma intends to negotiate for Saelemaekers.
Despite a rocky start to his tenure at AS Roma due to injuries, Saelemaekers seems to have found his footing. His recent form, including two goals and an assist in the last three games, has sparked a surge of interest in his future. His performance has been praised by his current and former coaches, with Ranieri going as far as to suggest that the Belgian has been crucial in the recent revival of some of AS Roma’s players.
Saelemaekers’ future, however, is not the only one being discussed. The futures of Tammy Abraham, Santiago Gimenez, and Gianluca Mancini are also being debated heavily. Abraham, who took center stage against his parent club in a recent match, is a key player in the ongoing negotiation between AS Roma and AC Milan.
All these developments point towards an intense negotiation period in the coming weeks. Whether Saelemaekers will stay in Rome, return to Milan, or move elsewhere is yet to be seen. But one thing is for sure – the Belgian winger’s journey is one to watch as the summer transfer window approaches.
