Colombian Defender Johan Romaniya Nears a Saudi Move Amid San Lorenzo’s Financial Storm
27 November 2025
Romaniya on the brink of a Saudi move
Colombian center-back Johan Romaniya of San Lorenzo is closing in on a move to the Roshen Saudi Pro League during the upcoming winter window.
TyC Sports reported that Romaniya is nearing departure from San Lorenzo toward one of the Saudi clubs in the league.
The 27-year-old defender recently hinted on Instagram that his time at San Lorenzo could be ending after the club’s match against Central Córdoba.
Sources say he joined San Lorenzo in January 2024 and his contract runs until December 2026, yet a winter exit seems likely as the club faces cash-flow issues.
The report adds that the Saudi club is prepared to meet the player's asking price, with four million dollars being floated as a threshold for approving the deal.
San Lorenzo, currently grappling with a heavy debt burden, reportedly aims to clear dues and wind down the season with fewer arrears.
Romaniya posted a note on Instagram thanking supporters after his sending-off in the Central Córdoba defeat, saying he would always carry the club's badge in his heart.
With 83 San Lorenzo appearances and a single goal, his market value is cited around six million euros, and he operates as a central defender who can also cover right-back.
Earlier reports linked the Colombian with Saudi clubs such as Al-Shabab and Al-Qadsiah, while this latest update points to a concrete winter bid.
Beyond Romaniya's value, the defense would gain a robust leader, as he is praised for physicality, tactical intelligence, and versatility across the back line.
If the transfer materializes, it could stem a given irregularities in the winter market and help San Lorenzo ease its liquidity woes.
On the Saudi side, officials have cautioned that a formal offer would come with a clean bill of health—FIFA has previously barred the registration of players due to outstanding debts tied to a Dynamo Kyiv transfer.
The Saudi government’s sports ministry reportedly injected around 130 million riyals to stabilize Al-Shabab's finances and facilitate operations ahead of the season.
Al-Shabab is one of the oldest clubs in Riyadh, counted among the kingdom's most decorated teams with a long list of titles.
In short, Romaniya's potential move is set to test the balance of power in the window, both for a club seeking relief and a player aiming to prove himself in a different league.
Romaniya’s strengths and the deal's potential impact
Romaniya’s game is built on physicality, smart positioning, and leadership at the back, and he can slot into multiple defensive roles, strengthening any back four.
If an official bid lands in the coming days, San Lorenzo would welcome a quick negotiation to ease fiscal tensions, while the Roshen Pro League would gain a proven defender with continental experience.
Punchline 1: If defense were a sniper rifle, Romaniya would be the marksman—one precise shot, and the danger disappears from the net.
Punchline 2: They say money talks; in this market, Romaniya talks back with headers, clearances, and a price tag that makes even the calculator blush.
