Patrick Rees
Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera is reportedly ‘very close’ to reaching an agreement with Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid over a potential move to Wanda Metropolitano as a free-agent at the end of the season.
Spanish news outlet AS quotes that Herrera has already said ‘yes’ to the move given that United’s hierarchy haven’t initiated any talks about a potential contract extension. The midfielder’s current contract expires at the end of the season and while Daily Mail has reported that United are ready to reach a breakthrough by offering a new contract worth £120,000-a-week. But the same source adds that the club might eventually trigger an automatic option to extend his deal by 12 months since nothing noteworthy has materialised so far.
Furthermore, Herrera – who was United’s player of the year last season – has seen his first-team opportunities cut short due to Matic’s arrival and this might be the only point of his desire to move back to Spain. During the summer transfer window, Barcelona were credited with an interest but with no move coming to fruition, the Catalonians decided to move for Paulinho.
Right at this very moment, Herrera has indeed been featuring for Jose Mourinho but that is all down to Paul Pogba’s and Marouane Fellaini’s injury. Mourinho trusted the latter during Pogba’s absent, but with him being unavailable as well, Mourinho eventually went for Herrera. However, the scenario seems simple; as soon as the duo is deemed fit, Herrera’s time will be reduced to the bench.
Furthermore, with the midfielder already entering the final year of his contract, he will be eligible to listen to offers from other clubs by January and with the likes of Diego Costa and Spanish international Vitolo having already agreed to join them in January, there is a slight possibility that Herrera would move on as well; in the summer obviously.
Herrera’s grace this season has fallen off, to say the least. The midfielder who bullied his opponents last season utterly failed to diminish Eden Hazard’s threat at the Stamford Bridge last week. If Herrera indeed decides to leave, United might not look to lose him for free. The club will activate the option of extending his deal by another year so that they can negotiate a fee with the potential suitors.
