Varun Pai
Transfer Update: Fabrizio Romano provides update on Lazio ace Sergej Milinkovic-Savic amidst Manchester United interest
Speaking to A Bola, as quoted by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the father of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic revealed that his son is happy at Lazio despite transfer interest from PSG and Manchester United.
The central midfielder has continued his fine form for the Italian club this season. Since joining the Serie A outfit, Milinkovic-Savic has made 272 appearances for the club and has also racked up an impressive 52 goals and 45 assists. He has been a pivotal figure under Maurizio Sarri, too, this season.
However, Man United have been interested in bringing the player to Old Trafford. The player was thought to be on the move in the coming summer, with Lazio expected to let their prized asset leave for a fee in the region of €70-€80million, according to journalist Nicolo Schira (h/t ESPN).
But any signs of a move have now been squashed by the player’s father, who has revealed that the 26-year-old is happy in Italy.
“There are always these rumours around, but Lazio president Lotito decided to keep him. Sergej’s happy, and he’s prepared to stay.”
Do we need Milinkovic-Savic?
The Serbian international has scored 5 goals and provided 6 assists in 25 appearances this season. That is certainly a healthy return for any central midfielder. Thus, Man United could certainly profit from his services, especially if he adjusts well to the English league.
However, he shall be six months away from turning 28 next summer. Bringing a player of his age on a massive fee makes sense only if he is likely to turn around our midfield fortunes. One could argue that the hierarchy would be smart to prioritize signing a younger player.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic father Nikola denies Man Utd and Paris Saint-Germain links: “There are always these rumours around but Lazio president Lotito decided to keep him. Sergej’s happy and he’s prepared to stay”, he told A Bola. 🇷🇸 #transfers #mufc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 27, 2021
The Red Devils have been linked with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, while Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Haidara are also viable options. All of these players are of a good age profile and have excelled at their current clubs. But in Sergej, we would have a player at the peak of his powers.
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But while it would be great to add the Lazio star to our ranks, it is not a big blow if he stays put in Italy. Man United have been recruiting young stars in recent seasons, except for Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani, and if a midfielder is being targeted, it should be somebody that could benefit us in the present as well as in the years to come.
Then again, football has a way of surprising us time and again. Only time can tell where Milinkovic-Savic plays in the near future and if he does manage to leave the Serie A club.
