Lazio rejected a summer offer from Manchester United for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

SS Lazio Sporting Director Igli Tare confirmed that the Serie A side rejected a mega offer from AC Milan and Manchester United in the summer transfer window for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The player eventually moved to Al Hilal, at a fraction of the sum that the Red Devils bid for him.

As per Tare, they turned down a €100m summer transfer offer from Manchester United for Milkinovic-Savic. Here is what the Sporting Director had to say via Manchester Evening News:

“A lot of things have been said about Milinkovic-Savic that are not true, from his departure at zero to the fact that he didn’t want to stay, the only thing that is true is that Lotito turned down a very important offer, over €100m, from AC Milan and Manchester United.”

Lotito refers to Claudio Lotito, president and owner of Lazio. The problem that is most evident to the eye is the fact that Lazio turned down a €100m offer from the Red Devils but went on to sell SMS to a Saudi club for just €40m which is substantially less than what United, or even AC Milan for that matter offered.

It prompts the question of why Lazio, after rejecting a lucrative offer from Manchester United, ultimately agreed to a lower bid from Al Hilal.

Why Lazio?

Firstly, the decision by Milinkovic-Savic to join Al Hilal in the Saudi League is a testament to the growing influence of Middle Eastern clubs in attracting top talent. The financial incentives offered by clubs in this region have become increasingly attractive, luring players who are yet to reach their prime with the promise of lucrative contracts. While the financial aspect is clear, the move to Saudi Arabia still raises eyebrows due to its departure from the traditional trajectory of players aiming for Europe’s top leagues.

Equally puzzling is Lazio’s decision-making in accepting a lower transfer fee than what was initially offered by Manchester United. The club’s president, Claudio Lotito, played a pivotal role in rejecting the substantial bid during the summer. However, the subsequent acceptance of a lower fee for Milinkovic-Savic has left observers questioning the motives behind these contrasting decisions.

The secrecy shrouding the negotiations between Lazio, Manchester United, and Al Hilal leaves fans and pundits speculating on the factors that influenced these decisions. Whether there were unseen complexities, undisclosed agreements, or a strategic reevaluation of the player’s value, the intricacies of this transfer saga remain elusive.

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The case of Milinkovic-Savic’s transfer reflects the evolving landscape of football, where financial power dynamics and the allure of new markets shape the destinies of players and clubs alike.