Manchester United will need to fork out at least €70 million to land Lazio superstar Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Sport Witness), Premier League giants Manchester United could move for Lazio superstar Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Serb is a regular at the Stadio Olimpico and ranks among the best midfielders in the Italian top-flight. Having joined Lazio in 2015 from Belgian side Genk, the 27-year-old has since made 284 appearances for the Serie A giants, scoring 55 goals and assisting 49 more across all competitions.
Milinkovic-Savic is a central midfielder who can perform both in an attacking and defensive role and is a real dynamic presence in the middle of the pitch. For all their riches, Manchester United are poor in midfield and could do with a player of his traits.
This is especially the case if Paul Pogba leaves the club when his contract expires at the end of the season. The Frenchman has failed to consistently showcase his best at Old Trafford but remains the Red Devils’ most dynamic player in midfield when on form. His potential exit will leave a huge hole in the Manchester United squad, which Milinkovic-Savic can potentially fill.
However, the Old Trafford outfit will need to act fast if they are keen to land their man. The Serb’s recent trip to Paris has raised questions regarding its intent. Paris Saint-Germain are long-term admirers of the player, and their loss against Real Madrid last night once again displayed their lack of a leader in midfield.
Despite their domestic dominance, PSG have often fallen short in Europe. Whether Milinkovic-Savic is being seen as the player who can help them take the next step in their development remains to be seen.
Lazio, for their part, are not against parting ways with the 27-year-old. However, the Italians are seeking a king’s ransom worth at least €70-80 million to sell their Serbian star. Whether Manchester United deem it worth the price or pull out of the race, potentially handing PSG the initiative, remains to be seen.
Moving to Paris is a world apart from settling in Manchester, both on and off the field. With a new manager to come in, it remains to be seen if the Red Devils can deliver a winning pitch to Milinkovic-Savic about their future prospects. The Serb certainly ticks several boxes for what the Red Devils should be looking for in Pogba’s replacement. Surrendering the opportunity to sign him without a fight will be foolhardy.
