Recent reports from Italian media outlet Il Napolista (as cited by FourFourTwo) suggest that Manchester United are keen on signing Italy right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo in the ongoing transfer window as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seems set to add to his options at the back.
The Napoli defender emerged as one of his country’s standout performers at Euro 2020 as Italy went on to win the championship for the second time in their history, and as a result, The Red Devils are eyeing a move for him. The report further states that a bid in the region of £17m is expected for the 27-year-old.
Di Lorenzo’s Breakthrough Season with Napoli and Italy
Di Lorenzo bagged 3 goals and 6 assists in thirty-six appearances for Napoli in Serie A last season as they went on to finish fifth, just 1 point behind Andrea Pirlo’s Juventus.
The right-back managed to put up some impressive numbers on the board the last term, both defensively and offensively, as he averaged 2.2 tackles, 1 interception, 1.4 clearances, 1.4 key passes, 0.4 crosses, 2.3 long balls, and 0.8 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Italian top flight.
His ability to understand certain in-game situations is quite impressive, especially when he’s going forward. Besides winning the ball using his sheer strength and power, Di Lorenzo doesn’t refrain from bursting forward to dribble past the opposition players and place threatening crosses into the box. His powerful overlapping runs make him a highly advantageous asset as he adds a new dimension to his team’s attack. Last but not least, his versatility makes him more appealing as it allows him to fill in the conventional right-back position as well as the contemporary right-midfield position. However, with an average WhoScored rating of 7.14, he’s at his best when playing on the right-hand side of the back-four.
Should Solskjaer Snap Him Up?
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been nothing short of a hit for the Red Devils since his £50 million move to the Old Trafford from Crystal Palace last summer. However, United lack quality backups in this department, with 20-year-old Brandon Williams (who is actually a left-back) being the only viable option at present. Moreover, the Norwegian tactician doesn’t seem to rate Diogo Dalot very highly.
The signing of Giovanni Di Lorenzo will undoubtedly give rise to healthy competition, and it might just bring the best out of the 23-year-old defender, who arguably has a lot to improve in offensive terms. Moreover, the Italian star would provide United with a very different option in games when tearing down a balky opposition setup is the order of the day.
If the Serie A side put a fair price tag on the former Empoli defender, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should get the deal done at all costs as he will hardly find a better option even if he keeps searching all summer.
(Stats from WhoScored)
