Manchester United are intending to fight it out with other major clubs for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s signature.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Manchester United have sent concrete proposals to Lazio with the intent to sign the talented Serbian midfielder in the summer. His performances for I Biancocelesti this season have earned him suitors from all across Europe.
It seems a matter of when rather than if in regards to him leaving. His departure is likely to be after the World Cup because a good tournament performance will increase his value.
Lazio fans will be sad to see him go, but the club is set to make a substantial profit. They signed him for £16 million in the 2015 summer transfer window, and they are looking to sell him for around £130 million. This is partially due to the inflated nature of the current transfer market. However, his value has skyrocketed over the past few seasons.
He is able to play a variety of roles in midfield, but he excels when driving into space from deep positions. His style and large frame means he would be suited to the aggressiveness of the Premier League. He provides a significant goal scoring threat with nine goals in the league this season as well as two assists.
Next: Ligue 1 clubs interested in Marouane Fellaini
Do Manchester United need him?
More from Playing for 90
- Alexia Putellas reaches 400 games with Barcelona
- Everything you need to know ahead of the 250th ‘Super Clásico’
- Barcelona put five past Real Betis
- Manchester City suffer but come away with win over West Ham
- Baffling Liga MX ruling strips Puebla of a hard-earned victory
He shares a lot of traits with Paul Pogba, which would suggest, on paper, that they could struggle in the same team. However, his defensive work and ability to be a threat from deep would compliment the French midfielder well. Having Milinkovic-Savic and international teammate Nemanja Matic in the side would balance out United’s midfield well with Pogba.
Signing the Serbian would be a huge statement transfer similar to Alexis Sanchez. However, this is the right kind of major transfer unlike Sanchez because of the longevity he brings due to being only 23-years-old.
Milinkovic-Savic has a unique all-round skillset that would benefit United significantly. His ability to commit defenders through his direct dribbling style provides a major threat in central areas. He also brings balance to the team unlike Sanchez, because United have a severe weakness in that area for Mourinho’s style. Neither Ander Herrera or Scott McTominay have shown enough to convince in that role.
This is likely to be a major transfer saga between some of the big clubs in Europe. However, he is worth the time, effort and money required for United to bring him in.