Rick Karsdorp’s time at AS Roma, once brimming with potential, seems to be reaching its conclusion. Arriving in the Italian capital seven years ago, he was hailed as the “full-back of the future.” However, that promise has not translated into a golden legacy. Instead, his tenure has been marked by struggles, and now it appears Karsdorp is destined for a departure.
Turkish club Besiktas has renewed its interest, raising its contract offer in an attempt to lure Karsdorp to Turkey. Meanwhile, the Dutch defender is training alone at Trigoria, seemingly moving further away from his time at Roma as the team trains in England at St. George’s Park.
Despite having a contract until 2026 worth €2.2 million per season plus bonuses, Karsdorp’s days in Rome appear numbered. Many Roma fans are not mourning the potential exit, as Karsdorp has faced considerable criticism during his stay. In fact, he could become the longest-serving full-back in the club’s history, already ranking in the top five with six seasons under his belt—granted, this included a loan back to Feyenoord for one year (2019-20).
Karsdorp has never truly won over the fans, often receiving sharp criticism instead. His struggles with the Italian language have only added to the distance between him and the supporters. If Karsdorp does indeed leave, many Roma fans would likely celebrate with a bottle of champagne, possibly kept on ice in anticipation of this moment.
It’s notable how Karsdorp arrived at Roma surrounded by high expectations, having been signed for €14 million plus €5 million in bonuses. He was seen as a key player in the Feyenoord squad that won the title in 2017. However, from the very start, it was clear he came with issues; he had to undergo knee surgery shortly after his arrival. Former sporting director Ramon Monchi downplayed this, saying, “What’s a meniscus cleaning with a five-year contract?”
Unfortunately for Karsdorp, his time in Rome has been marred by injury setbacks, undergoing surgery four times, including a devastating ACL injury just after returning from his meniscus operation. Under José Mourinho’s management, Karsdorp fell out of favor entirely. After a disappointing performance against Sassuolo in November 2022, Mourinho publicly criticized him, suggesting his attitude had betrayed the team effort and called for a quick exit in January.
While no offers came in, Karsdorp opted to remain at Roma and eventually regained a place in the squad, although always under a cloud of uncertainty and controversy. The arrival of Daniele De Rossi initially seemed to offer a fresh start, yet Karsdorp has again found himself sidelined, as De Rossi and the club made the decision for Karsdorp to be placed outside the squad plans.
Now, it seems clear that Karsdorp’s future lies away from the Giallorossi. A move to Istanbul appears likely, provided he finally decides to leave Roma behind. As his time at the club nears its end, Karsdorp’s storied yet tumultuous journey in the Italian capital seems destined for a new chapter abroad.