Carrasco's Italian escape route slammed shut as Roma chief declares: 'Not possible'
Former Atlético winger Yannick Carrasco continues to search for an exit from Saudi side Al-Shabab, with Roma becoming the latest club to close the door on the Belgian.
Belgian international Yannick Carrasco has seen another potential escape route from Saudi Arabia collapse as Roma’s sporting director emphatically ruled out a move.
Saudi golden handcuffs
The former Atlético Madrid winger has been desperately seeking a way out of Al-Shabab, where he’s been plying his trade since his €15 million move in 2023. Despite putting up some decent numbers in the Saudi Pro League - 22 goals and 16 assists in 62 appearances - the 32-year-old appears keen to return to European football.
Roma door slammed shut
After rumours emerged linking Carrasco with a potential Serie A switch to Roma, the Italian club’s sporting director ‘Ricky’ Massara has categorically dismissed the possibility:
“It’s not possible,” Massara stated bluntly, confirming the deal should be considered “cancelled” after initial consideration.
Summer Atlético rumours
This isn’t the first time Carrasco has been linked with a European return. Last summer, speculation swirled about a potential homecoming to Atlético Madrid, where he enjoyed two separate spells (2015-2018 and 2020-2023).
However, the Spanish club quickly poured cold water on those rumours, making it crystal clear that “neither has Carrasco offered himself, nor will he come” back to the Metropolitano.
Stuck in Saudi
Unless there’s a last-minute twist in this transfer tale, the Belgian international looks set to remain in Saudi Arabia for the foreseeable future. Having burned bridges with Atlético and now seeing the Roma option disappear, Carrasco’s options are running out faster than a dodgy pint in a Tottenham boozer.
For a player who once lit up the Champions League with his electric wing play, the Saudi Pro League must feel a long way from the bright lights of European football that once defined his career.