Former England defender Chris Smalling signs with Saudi club Al-Fayha

The 34-year-old Smalling signed a two-year deal, the Saudi Pro League club announced late on Monday.

Roma’s Chris Smalling celebrates after scoring against Inter Milan in the Serie A in 2022. | Photo Credit: AP

Former England and Manchester United defender Chris Smalling signed with Saudi Arabian club Al-Fayha, ending his stay at Serie A club Roma after five seasons.

The 34-year-old Smalling signed a two-year deal, Al-Fayha said late on Monday.

Roma also offloaded 19-year-old Brazilian winger Joao Costa to Al-Ettifaq, another Saudi Arabian club, in a permanent deal. Costa made just five appearances in Serie A and the Europa League for Roma.

Smalling was a key member of the Roma team that won the inaugural Europa Conference League in 2022. He made 31 appearances for England from 2011-17.

While the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar were attracted by huge contracts in recent years, the Saudi league has not drawn the top international players this year.

While there had been speculation of a move by Victor Osimhen, Al-Ahli instead signed Ivan Toney on deadline day from Brentford after Toney couldn’t find a deal in the Premier League.

Osimhen was finalizing a loan to Galatasaray on Tuesday.