Anass Salah-Eddine will remain at AS Roma for the coming season. The 24-year-old Moroccan international had multiple opportunities to leave the Italian club this summer, but has chosen to stay in Rome and fight for his chance. Both West Ham United and Olympiakos had shown interest in the left-back.
By the Atlas Lions editorial team · September 2, 2026
Anass Salah-Eddine has clarified his future. The defender is staying at AS Roma and wants to prove himself in the Italian capital this season.
According to the Eindhovens Dagblad, several clubs were interested in the Moroccan international this summer. Premier League side West Ham United and Greek club Olympiakos were among those inquiring about his situation.
However, Salah-Eddine has put that interest aside. The left-back does not want another loan move and has deliberately chosen to take on the competition within the Roma squad.
PSV wanted to keep him
Salah-Eddine's decision follows a strong season at PSV. The defender played on loan in Eindhoven last season and developed into an important player there.
PSV had the option to sign him permanently, but ultimately decided not to trigger the purchase option in his loan contract. As a result, Salah-Eddine returned to Roma this summer.
For the Moroccan, this meant making a fresh decision about his future. A departure seemed likely, especially given the interest from various countries, but Salah-Eddine had other plans.
No new loan period
Upon his return to Rome, the defender reportedly made it clear that he did not want to leave on another loan.
His goal is to prove himself at Roma and genuinely compete for a starting spot. Instead of opting for another temporary solution, he wants to try to secure a permanent role at the club where he is under contract.
That ambition ultimately proved decisive.
Chance to prove himself
The upcoming season will therefore be crucial for Salah-Eddine. His spell at PSV showed that he can perform at a high level, but he must now replicate those performances at Roma.
Competition within the squad will be fierce, but the Moroccan international now boasts experience in both the Eredivisie and Serie A. His development with the national team also provides him with extra international experience.
The coming months will tell whether he succeeds in consistently demonstrating those qualities in Rome.
West Ham turned down
West Ham was one of the clubs that showed interest this summer, but the English club will not be signing Salah-Eddine for now.
Olympiakos also saw an opportunity to bring the defender to Greece. Both clubs will have to continue their search for reinforcements at the left-back position elsewhere.
Salah-Eddine has made his choice: he is staying in Rome and wants to fight for his place not as a temporary figure, but as a full-fledged member of the squad.
After a strong season at PSV, Anass Salah-Eddine has deliberately chosen the hardest path. No new loan transfer and no move to West Ham or Olympiakos, but a battle for his place at AS Roma.