Nahuel Molina has officially completed his permanent transfer from Atlético de Madrid to AS Roma, signing a contract that runs through June 2030. The 28-year-old Argentina international arrives in the Italian capital following a four-year stint in La Liga, with the deal structured around a fixed fee of 13 million euros alongside six million euros in potential performance-based add-ons.
Financial Structure of the Deal
According to reports from financial and sports outlets, the transfer package brings the total potential value to approximately seventeen to nineteen million euros. The base fee of 13 million euros, combined with the six million euros in variables, allows the Madrid club to nearly recoup the initial investment made when acquiring the right-back from Udinese in the summer of 2022. The agreement ties the World Cup winner to the Giallorossi for the next four seasons, marking his return to the Italian top flight.
The Farewell at Atlético de Madrid
Molina’s departure brings closure to an up-and-down tenure under manager Diego Simeone at the Metropolitano Stadium. The defender announced his exit directly to supporters via social media, stating: “Today after four years it is my turn to say goodbye to Atlético. I am grateful to have been part of this beautiful family. I want to thank my teammates and coaching staff for helping me grow in all these years… And to all the Atléticos, who are the heart of this club.” During his time in Madrid, Molina accumulated 145 official appearances across all competitions, finding the back of the net eight times and providing 12 assists, though some statistical tallies in Spanish media place his overall club appearances slightly higher at 181 matches with nine goals and 16 assists due to differing competition counts.
Tactical Shifts and Playing Time
The Argentine defender experienced an exceptional debut campaign in Madrid, locking down the starting right-back role and earning Simeone’s absolute trust. However, his playing time fluctuated in subsequent seasons. The tactical emergence and positional versatility of Marcos Llorente as a fixed option on the right flank reduced Molina’s regular minutes. While Molina remained a reliable squad member known for his surging runs, deep crosses, and occasional long-range strikes, the club viewed the transfer window as an opportunity to generate funds and streamline the squad’s defensive depth.
Return to Serie A and Welcome in Rome
Molina is no stranger to Italian football, having made his definitive breakthrough in Europe during a standout two-season spell with Udinese, where he netted 10 goals and contributed seven assists in 68 official matches. Upon landing in Rome on Monday afternoon, the right-back was greeted by a large crowd of supporters at the airport, reflecting the optimism surrounding his arrival at a club increasingly shaped by Argentine talent. The move also reunites him with a familiar environment as he prepares to re-establish the elite form that made him a cornerstone for Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, with whom he lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, two Copa América titles, and the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions.
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