Panathinaikos loan Moroccan left-back from AS Roma for €7 m

Panathinaikos loan the Moroccan left-back Anass Salah-Eddine from AS Roma with a purchase option of around seven million euros, according to Rik Elfrink of Eindhovens Dagblad, who bases the information on Italian media. After a previous loan spell at PSV, the 22‑year‑old defender continues his career in the Greek Super League, where Panathinaikos are currently top of the table.

Contract until mid-2028

In Rome, Salah-Eddine has a contract until mid-2028, which makes the purchase option attractive for the Greek club. The long duration gives Panathinaikos the certainty that the player will remain available for several more years should the option be exercised.

The Romans have loaned the defender for one season to Panathinaikos, the current leader of the Greek Super League, with a purchase option of around seven million euros. The deal gives Panathinaikos the opportunity to sign the defender permanently after one season, and he will play in Greece.

Last season there was a similar purchase option in the loan contract with PSV, but no definitive transfer materialised. The Eindhoven side and the player did not reach an agreement, partly due to the contract length.

According to Elfrink, an agreement had previously been on the table between Roma and PSV for a transfer fee of eight million euros, but the Eindhoven side and Salah‑Eddine did not reach an agreement because of the contract length. The eight million euros would be a record for a young left-back in Serie A.

Olympiakos and West Ham United were also in the race for the wing‑back's signature, but missed out. West Ham United's interest highlighted the player's international appeal.

Salah‑Eddine has not been included in trainer Gian Piero Gasperini's matchday squad at all this season, prompting him to look for more playing time. Salah, who has already played thirteen times for Morocco, hopes to strengthen his international standing.

Broad impact on the transfer market

The situation illustrates how Italian clubs are increasingly sending players to other European leagues via season‑long loans with purchase options, a trend that influences the dynamics of the transfer market. This model is followed by several Serie A‑clubs to allow talents to develop while simultaneously limiting financial risks.