El Shaarawy Officially Joins Roma

After a successful 6 month loan spell, Roma have officially exercised their option to buy winger Stephan El Shaarawy from Milan. El Shaarawy was loaned out by the Rossoneri to Monaco for a fee of €2 million in August of 2015, but Il Faraone endured a horrible half season in Ligue 1 and the loan was promptly cancelled by Monaco. El Shaarawy would only return to Milan for a brief period, as he was soon shuttled off to Roma on loan for €1.4 million, a deal which included an option for Roma to purchase El Shaarawy permanently for a fee of €13 million.

El Shaarawy was a hit in his first 6 months with Roma as he struck 8 goals in 16 appearances, forcing himself into Antonio Conte's Euro 2016 squad. His impressive play for Roma led them to trigger his buyout clause, which would have expired tomorrow.

Both Milan and Roma have confirmed the El Shaarawy transaction, and the player himself has taken to Instagram to thank Milan management, ownership, his former teammates, and fans for the opportunity to don the Rossonero kit.

El Shaarawy burst onto the scene with Milan during the 2012-2013 season, scoring 19 goals in 46 games as a 20 year old. His following two seasons with the Rossoneri were much less impressive however, as the young winger only managed 4 goals in 28 appearances, as he battled a variety of nagging injuries.

A change of scenery was probably the best outcome for all parties. Milan managed to accumulate €17 million for a player who has only managed 6 months of good form and fitness since the 2012-2013 season, the Giallorossi were able to acquire one of Italy's most promising young talents, and El Shaarawy has a great opportunity to get his career back on track.