Jose Mourinho: AS Roma to Part Ways With 5 Players As Manager’s Future Remains in Doubt

• AS Roma could wear a new look next season with about eight players set to leave
• The future of coach Jose Mourinho is also in doubt with his contract set to expire
• The Special One recently said the decision to stay or leave depended on the club

AS Roma are set for a massive overhaul next season, which could impact about eight first-team players this season, some of whom have expiring contracts or are on loan.

Head coach, Jose Mourinho could also leave the club at the end of the season with his three-year contract set to be up soon and no news of a renewal being released yet.

Sports Brief looks at five players who are set to leave the club in the summer, per Roma Press.

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Players set to leave Roma

1. Houssem Aouar

The Algerian joined the Italian capital club on a free transfer in the summer but is already deemed surplus to requirements. He has not provided any meaningful impact, struggling to adapt and being inconsistent due to muscle injuries.

2. Leonardo Spinazzola

The only reason he lasted long at the club to this day was the ACL injury he suffered at Euro 2020. He was on a run of impressive performances that could have earned him a move away. The Saudi Pro League looks like a suitable destination.

3. Zeki Celik

The Turkish full-back moved to Italy from Ligue 1 outfit, Lille in the summer of 2022. He shared right defensive duties with Rick Karsdop, but both need to improve. He is set to leave the club this summer, having played just six times this season.

4. Andrea Belotti

The Italian striker joined from Torino on a free transfer in 2022. He played 31 league games in his first year without scoring. He had three goals this season but is set to be moved on this summer as the club hopes to move forward.

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5. Chris Smalling

The English defender has been the club’s best player under his former Manchester United manager. He suffered an injury close to the end of last season and has remained out since then, leaving the club very frustrated.

The club also decided no loan player would be retained, which means Sardar Azmoun, Renato Sanches, Rasmus Kristensen, and Diego Llorente will all return to their parent clubs.

Mourinho could also follow suit with his contract set to expire, though the former Chelsea boss said on the Obi One Podcast recently that the decision rests solely with the club.

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Mourinho calls out Renato Sanches

Sports Brief previously reported that Mourinho called out Renato Sanches after the Portuguese midfielder left the game in the first half due to injury.

The Special One expressed frustration at his compatriot being an injury risk every time he stepped on the pitch, which plagued him with his former clubs.