According to a recent report by Gazzetta dello Sport (translated by the Metro), Manchester United are in advanced talks over an €80m deal to sign Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic during this summer transfer period. The same source has stated that both clubs have given the green light which has seen the Serie A playmaker’s agent Mateja Kezman travel to England to finalise the transfer.
However, Gazzetta dello Sport has also claimed that the Red Devils will only recruit Milenkovic-Savic if they lose Paul Pogba to Real Madrid in this off-season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already secured the services of Daniel James from Swansea City and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace. However, they are yet to make a marquee signing this summer.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s Rollercoaster Journey In Italian Football
The Serbian midfield ace enjoyed the best year of his playing career during the 2017-18 campaign when he scored 14 times and grabbed seven assists in 47 matches for Lazio across all fronts. However, he struggled to replicate similar numbers last season. The Serbian midfielder could only register seven goals and create three assists in 41 appearances for the Italian outfit in the previous campaign.
Milinkovic-Savic has also earned 12 caps for Serbia thus far. He is yet to open his goal-scoring account for his nation. The 24-year-old has previously won the Italian Cup and the Italian Super Cup during his spell at the Stadio Olimpico. Therefore, the Serbian talent knows what it takes to win trophies at the highest level.
What Will The Lazio Star Add To Solskjaer’s Side?
Milinkovic-Savic is a workhorse who tends to make some late runs from midfield which are difficult to track for the opposing defenders. The Serbia international is a driving force at the centre of the park and hardly loses possession of the ball. He has also added goals and assists to his game over the past couple of years. However, the Serie A sensation needs to be more clinical in front of the opposition goal if he wants to prove himself at the top level.
What makes Milinkovic-Savic such a complete midfielder is his willingness to do the dirty defensive work in midfield which adds another layer of protection to the Lazio backline. He can intercept the ball at critical moments of a game as he keeps a calm head under pressure. The Serbia international is also a commanding presence at the middle of the pitch as he has incredible strength and power to dictate play going forward.
If Man United can get the deal over the line, then they would be acquiring a player who can break into the world-class bracket in the coming years. Even if the Red Devils can retain Pogba’s services beyond this summer, they should still sign Milinkovic-Savic as he would add another dimension to their midfield.
