According to Sport Mediaset, Lazio are keen to resolve Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s future this summer. As a result, the club’s sporting director, Igli Tare is currently in London to hear the proposal from English clubs, especially Manchester United. The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the Serbian for a long time now and might get the opportunity of signing him in the ongoing summer transfer window.
The report claims that Milinkovic-Savic, who had been initially valued around €120 million could be available for as low as €80 million this summer, with the player reportedly keen on leaving the club.
Milinkovic-Savic’s below-par season at Lazio
One of the main reasons behind Milinkovic-Savic’s drop in value is his disappointing season at Lazio last term. Although the 24-year-old was an ever-present figure in midfield, making 31 league appearances, his performances weren’t consistent or productive like the season before.
To put things into perspective, Milinkovic-Savic had been involved in just eight goals last season, which is a far cry from the 12 goals and three assists he secured during the 2017/18 campaign. His failure to live up to his lofty standards resulted in Lazio missing out on European competitions next season.
That being said, the Serbian international is still considered as one of the best midfielders in Serie A, having attained an excellent record at Lazio since joining the club back in 2015. He has made over 160 appearances for I Biancocelesti across competitions, during which he was involved in almost 50 goals – an astonishing tally for a central midfielder.
What can the Serbian bring to the table?
Milinkovic-Savic is a dynamic midfielder. His physically imposing 1.91m frame allows him to dominate the opposition, especially in terms of aerial and physical duels. And this is coupled with his ability to read the game that enables him to provide ample defensive cover for the backline.
But, the Serbian’s gameplay is not only restricted to the defensive side of the game as he is also an excellent ball-carrier and is capable of creating chances in the final third. He had averaged 1.5 key passes per game last season while his tally of 1.1 successful dribbles is quite impressive for a central midfielder.
Should Manchester United make a move for Milinkovic-Savic?
Manchester United are in dire need of midfield reinforcements as Paul Pogba’s future at the club still hangs in the balance. The Frenchman has been subjected with a move to Real Madrid and Juventus this summer, and his departure could create a massive void in the midfield department.
Besides, Ander Herrera has joined PSG after seeing out his contract at United, thus accentuating the need for a new midfielder. And Milinkovic-Savic, in that regard, could be an excellent option. He has the quality as well as the experience that could potentially help him thrive at Old Trafford. And at the age of 24, he will be an excellent long-term investment for the Red Devils.
However, the Serbian’s €80 million valuation seems a bit too expensive for a player, whose deterioration has been rather evident last season. Hence, United must look to negotiate with Lazio as far as their asking fee is concerned given the fact that there are cheaper alternatives available in the market.
