Manchester United enter transfer race for Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka
Manchester United are set for a transformative summer transfer window. INEOS must back Ruben Amorim to the hilt and help him rebuild the squad in his own image after what has been an extremely challenging season for everyone attached to the club.
Ruben Amorim is already under pressure to deliver results, and a major squad retooling looks increasingly likely as the Red Devils aim to restore their lost glory. One area of particular concern is the midfield, where the players have not managed to control the pace of games.
Christian Eriksen is past his prime and will depart on a free transfer at the end of June. Casemiro, who has one more year left in his contract, has not justified his hefty price tag from the second season at Old Trafford. Mason Mount’s Manchester United career has been ravaged by injuries, while Kobbie Mainoo hasn’t managed to replicate his last season’s performances.
Signed from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, Manuel Ugarte has done relatively well but lacks a dynamic partner who can progress the ball from deeper areas. Amorim has tried to address his team’s struggle in building up play smoothly by using Bruno Fernandes in a deeper role, yet, issues still remain. So, adding fresh talent in the middle of the park is extremely critical for Man United.
Now, according to a report from Tuttomercatoweb, Man United are among a few clubs to have expressed an interest in signing Stanislav Lobotka, who is free to leave Napoli in the summer for €40million.
The defensive midfielder, who turns 31 in November, remains one of Napoli’s most consistent performers and was among the few bright spots in a disappointing season for the Serie A outfit last year. He has been a regular fixture in Antonio Conte’s XI this campaign, making 29 league appearances and helping the club challenge for the Scudetto.
The Slovakian international is also wanted by Barcelona and PSG, meaning United face stiff competition to lure him to England. Given his qualities on and off the ball, Stanislav Lobotka would be a perfect fit in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system. The diminutive midfielder would complement Ugarte, liberating Fernandes to thrive in the final third.
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However, he will turn 31 midway through the next season, and that would mean barely any resale value. The Red Devils will also need to spend around €40million to sign the experienced Slovak, which is a lot considering the limited finances at the club. Thus, it would be wise to drop interest in Lobotka and target young alternative profiles instead this summer.