The versatile Belgian winger navigating the tactical shifts of Serie A
In short: From a promising debut at Anderlecht to becoming a tactical chameleon in Italy, Alexis Saelemaekers has mastered the art of the utility player. Whether deployed as a winger, wing-back, or even a left-back, his career is a study in adapting to the evolving systems of Europe's top clubs.
Born on 27 June 1999, the Belgian professional footballer first rose to prominence at Anderlecht, where he signed his first contract in October 2017. After making his official debut against Sint-Truiden in February 2018, he quickly became a fixture in the squad, renewing his terms through 2022. His move to the Italian giants AC Milan began on 31 January 2020, initially arriving on loan with a structured fee involving €3.5 million and potential bonuses.
At Milan, Saelemaekers proved his ability to contribute across multiple roles and competitions. His first season saw him net three goals and provide five assists, including strikes against Rio Ave and Sassuolo. His adaptability was further tested during his loan at Bologna, where he integrated into manager Thiago Motta's unique 2–7–2 system. Playing alongside the inverted Riccardo Orsolini, Saelemaekers transitioned to the left side, a role he had previously occupied at Milan when Rafael Leão was unavailable.
Despite interest in a permanent transfer to Bologna, a change in management to Vincenzo Italiano led the club to decline a €10 million move. Saelemaekers subsequently moved to Roma on loan for the 2024–25 season, where he achieved a career-high of 7 goals in all competitions. On the international stage, he has been a consistent presence for Belgium, scoring his first goal against the Czech Republic in September 2021 and playing a role in the team's progression through the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stages.
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