Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 10y

Seydou Keita to join Roma

Serie A runners-up Roma have secured the services of Seydou Keita on a free transfer from Valencia.

According to an announcement on the Italian club's website, the Mali international has penned a one-year contract with the Giallorossi, who return to the Champions League next season after a three-year hiatus.

The 34-year-old former Barcelona midfielder made just 11 appearances in La Liga last season, scoring one goal following his arrival from DL Aerbin in the winter. He was a regular in their Europa League side, but the Spanish club opted not to extend his stay beyond this summer.

Roma have taken him under contract as extra cover for the injured Kevin Strootman, who is not set to return to action until the autumn due to a knee injury. Meanwhile, 18-year-old defender Tin Jedvaj is set to leave the Eternal City club and join Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen on loan for two years.

"I'm here to do what would be a good deal for Roma and Bayer Leverkusen," Leverkusen's director of sport and former Roma forward Rudi Voeller told Roma Channel. "We're very interested. He's a very talented player, but he's not played much this year so we're looking to make him play with us for two years."

The Croatian defender made his Serie A debut in January, featuring in the 4-0 win over Genoa. He also appeared in the reverse fixture on the final day of the season -- his only two games for the Roma first team.

^ Back to Top ^