Pranav Nair
Manchester United seeking £23m from Lazio for Andreas Pereira
According to Italian outlet Corriere Della Serra, via Sport Witness (h/t The Express), Manchester United could be set for a £23m windfall if Andreas Pereira completes a permanent switch to Lazio.
The Brazilian midfielder spent the previous season on loan at the Italian giants. While he did get to see a fair bit of action, his performances were far from impressive. Pereira scored a solitary goal and made four assists in 33 appearances for the Roman side. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Lazio are still retain the player’s services but United are in no mood to give them a discount. The Red Devils are seeking £23m for the player’s services.
Former Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri, who has taken over from Simone Inzaghi, is keen to include Pereira in his plans for the upcoming campaign. Pereira is out of favour at United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his future could very well lie somewhere else.
Pereira is aware that there will be few opportunities for him at Old Trafford and is keen to make a permanent switch elsewhere. At 25, Pereira still has time on his side to reinvent himself elsewhere. It is fair to say that he has now gone as far as he could at United. (h/t Manchester Evening News)
Having joined from PSV Eindhoven in 2014, Pereira failed to build upon the initial promise he showed at the club. Winner of the Denzel Haroun Reserve team Player of the Year in 2015, he has failed to improve since.
Playing hardball
Lazio director Igli Tare is in contact with United to try and land Pereira on loan until the end of the season. The original deal from last summer included an option to make the deal permanent for £23m.
The Italians are keen to lower the asking price. United however are sticking to their guns. Given what he has shown so far, there is little to suggest that Pereira is worth what United are seeking for him.
Of course, he could improve in the upcoming season and go on to see his stock rise. But until then, it remains to be seen if United’s obstinance will pay off.
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Pereira has made just 75 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions, scoring just four goals and making five assists. (h/t Transfermarkt)
