AS Roma sign Udinese defender Mehdi Benatia

Mehdi Benatia, 26, is on his way to the capital-based club AS Roma from Udinese after the move was made official last night.

Reports suggest Roma have paid €13.5m million for the defender on a five-year deal.

“Today we are very pleased to present Mehdi Benatia. He has proved himself to be one of the best defenders in Serie A and in the field of international football. We made our transfer market plans with him in mind. We are honored to have him here with us today. Mehdi, welcome to Roma!” said Roma’s CEO Italo Zanzi in a press conference.

After Udinese’s approval, Benatia trained with his new team-mates in Trigoria on Saturday even before the deal was confirmed.

“I came to Roma so I could have a chance of winning. I know I have arrived at a particularly tense moment for the club, but I feel this period must come to an end as the fans are rather angry. I know things can go well here. My initial impressions have been particularly positive, we are a young, hard-working and talented side. It’s an honor for me to train with these team-mates,” said the Moroccan international.

It was also later confirmed that Valerio Verre and Nicolas Lopez will join Udinese for €2.5m and €1m respectively.