AS Roma have landed Carles Perez on an initial loan deal until the end of the season, with an obligation to sign him permanently from Barcelona in the summer.
AS Roma have made an official statement to confirm that they have secured the services of Carles Perez on a loan deal till the end of the season. The Serie A giants, though, have the obligation to buy him on a permanent deal from Barcelona in the summer for a fixed initial payment of €11 million if certain targets are met, with a further €4.5 million being add-ons.
Carles Perez progressed through the ranks at Barcelona before breaking into the first-team setup towards the end of last season, coming on as a substitute in a game against Eibar. The player had a bigger role in store for him at the start of the season, with former boss Ernesto Valverde integrating him further in the Barcelona first-team setup.
As a result, Perez turned out 13 times for the senior side, with a decent haul of 3 goals and as many assists in these games. However, the appointment of Quique Setien as the new manager seemed to have sealed the player’s fate.
Reports emerged almost as soon as the arrival of Setien at Camp Nou that a move away from Barcelona beckoned Perez. And, Serie A giants AS Roma have been heavily linked with him since then.
The Giallorossi have been ravaged by injuries, with several key players on the sidelines. As a result, Roma have been active in the market seeking several reinforcements this month. Attack has also been an area of concern for the Serie A outfit, to which end, Perez emerged as a viable target.
Earlier reports suggested that the Serie A heavyweights would sign him permanently this month. However, they have instead signed him on an initial loan deal, with the permanent move being completed in the summer. Upon completing the switch, Perez expressed his delight at joining a Serie A giant like Roma.
✅ Official: Carles Perez is now a Roma player!
Even one missing child is one too many. #ASRoma have teamed up with organisations around the world to help the search – including for the seven youngsters featured here. ? pic.twitter.com/4W33XKVhUF
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) January 30, 2020
“I know I am leaving a great club like Barcelona, but I’m joining another great club in Rome. I’m really happy and I can’t wait to start training alongside my new teammates.”
As per the agreement, Roma have paid Barcelona €1 million as the loan fee and have the obligation to complete his transfer in the summer for an upfront payment of €11 million, if certain “sporting targets” are met. The Italian club will also be entitled to pay Barcelona an additional €4.5 million in variables, which will be based on Perez’s performances.
Should they sign him permanently, Perez will sign a five-year deal at Stadio Olimpico. Furthermore, Barcelona will retain the right of first refusal on any future sale of the player. For now, a new phase of his career beckons the 21-year-old, who has become the third player to leave Barcelona this winter.
