RomaPress – A saga that has lasted for nearly five months is nearing its conclusion as Stephan El Shaarawy is set to rejoin Roma.
Executives from Shanghai Shenhua confirmed to RomaPress that a deal was reached in the early morning hours between the club and Manuel El Shaarawy, the player’s brother and agent, for the termination of the former Milan man’s contract.
The news comes less than 24 hours after both sides were pessimistic that they would be able to find an agreement ahead of this Sunday’s self-imposed deadline. The parties met nearly one dozen times after Manuel El Shaarawy landed in Shanghai earlier this month for the first time since December.
The Chinese club was taken back in December when the El Shaarawy brothers originally informed them on 1st December that they wanted a permanent exit so that il Faraone could return to Roma.
After agreeing to meet after the New Year, those within the negotiation thought it would be nearly impossible to find an understanding given that there were still 18 months remaining on El Shaarawy’s contract.
Initially, Manuel El Shaarawy requested that Shanghai Shenhua pay 3 of the remaining 18 months left on his brother’s deal — a request that the club immediately rejected. El Shaarawy continued to lower his claim but Shanghai remained adamant that they would not pay any of the player’s remaining wages if he wanted to dissolve the contract.
Late yesterday evening, the El Shaarawy’s agreed to renounce all of the remaining money left on the deal, which led to the breakthrough being found today between the sides.
The 28 year-old is already en route to the Italian capital to undergo his medical examinations tomorrow with Roma and he will sign a 2.5 years contract with the club.
He will rejoin on a free transfer — though, Roma will be forced to pay a maximum of €5 million in compensation to Shanghai Shenhua that is based on appearances and goals scored.
