Roma have confirmed that 24‑year‑old Morocco international Anass Salah‑Eddine will spend the 2026‑27 campaign in Greece. The left‑back is set to join Panathinaikos on a season‑long loan that carries an option to buy, although the deal does not contain a mandatory purchase clause.
Why the move matters for Roma
Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad has been trimmed of several fringe players as the club looks to sharpen its roster ahead of the new season. Salah‑Eddine arrived in Rome in February 2025 for €8.5m from FC Twente, but he never cemented a place in the starting eleven. He managed just three Serie A appearances and recorded a single assist before being sent back to the Netherlands on loan at PSV Eindhoven for the 2025‑26 season.
Panathinaikos’ gamble
Panathinaikos, still active in the Greek transfer window, have secured the Moroccan defender on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season. The club hopes his experience in the Dutch Eredivisie and his brief exposure to Serie A will add depth to a back line that struggled with injuries last term. The option to buy gives the Greek side flexibility; if Salah‑Eddine impresses, they can make the move permanent, otherwise he returns to Rome.
Career snapshot
Salah‑Eddine began his professional journey at FC Twente, earning a reputation as a quick, attacking full‑back. His performances earned a call‑up to the Morocco senior squad, where he has featured in several qualifiers. After the €8.5m switch to Roma, he spent the 2025‑26 season on loan at PSV Eindhoven, featuring regularly in the Eredivisie but failing to break into the Italian side’s plans.
What the loan means for the player
At 24, the defender still has time to develop his game. A full season in the Super League Greece offers regular minutes, a chance to showcase his defensive solidity and offensive contributions, and an opportunity to increase his market value. The option to buy signals that Panathinaikos see potential value, but the lack of a mandatory clause suggests Roma are not yet ready to write off the investment.
Broader implications for both clubs
For Roma, the loan frees up a squad spot and reduces wage commitments while keeping the player’s future open. For Panathinaikos, the addition bolsters a defensive line that has been vulnerable in European competition, and the optional purchase could be a cost‑effective way to secure a player with Serie A experience.
Looking ahead
Salah‑Eddine is expected to travel to Athens later today for a medical and to finalise paperwork. If all goes smoothly, he could be on the pitch for Panathinaikos within weeks, ready to contribute to their domestic campaign and potential Europa League qualifiers.
Roma finally admit the €8.5m signing was a misfire and are willing to let him go, while Panathinaikos take a calculated risk that could pay off if the Moroccan left‑back finds consistency. The move is a win‑win for a player desperate for minutes and a club needing depth.
Tactically, Panathinaikos gain a pacey option at left‑back, allowing Gasperini‑inspired wing‑backs to rotate without sacrificing width. Strategically, Roma clear a roster bottleneck and keep a resale avenue open, preserving financial flexibility for upcoming transfer windows.
Preguntas Frecuentes
He is expected to travel to Athens later today for a medical and to sign the loan agreement, with the move becoming effective immediately.
Roma bought the defender from FC Twente for €8.5 million in February 2025.
No, the deal only contains an option to buy at the end of the season, with no clause forcing a permanent transfer.