Samuel Eto’o’s Serie A Move Stalls Over Salary Demands
Samuel Eto’o’s potential move to AS Roma has hit a significant stumbling block, with the club reportedly unwilling to meet the striker’s financial demands. Despite Roma’s interest in bringing in the experienced Cameroonian forward, his weekly wage request of €75,000 — approximately €3.9 million annually — has proven to be a deal-breaker for the Italian side.
Eto’o, 33, is currently a free agent following his stint at Chelsea, where he made 21 Premier League appearances and scored 9 goals during the 2013–14 season. With his contract expired, the former Inter Milan and Barcelona star is free to negotiate with any club — a prospect that had made Roma initially optimistic about a possible deal.
However, according to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, the striker’s salary expectations have cooled Roma’s interest. The club, which is looking to strengthen its attacking options ahead of the new season, has indicated it cannot stretch its wage budget to accommodate Eto’o’s demands.
Fiorentina has since emerged as an alternative destination. The Viola are reportedly offering Eto’o a one-year deal worth €2 million — a significant cut from his desired figure but in line with their financial structure. Still, Eto’o is said to be holding out for at least €3 million before committing to a move, creating a new round of negotiations and uncertainty.
The veteran forward remains one of Africa’s most decorated players, with a career that includes stints at some of Europe’s top clubs and multiple titles, including Champions League triumphs with both Barcelona and Inter Milan. But with age no longer on his side, and with clubs cautious about high wage commitments for players in their 30s, Eto’o may have to adjust his expectations if he hopes to stay in a competitive European league.
For now, it remains to be seen whether Fiorentina will increase their offer or if another club will step in to meet the Cameroonian’s terms. One thing is clear: Samuel Eto’o’s next move will likely depend as much on compromise as on ambition.
