Manchester United Transfer News: Angel Di Maria Agrees PSG Move, Huge Rumours

Manchester United’s record signing, Angel Di Maria, is reportedly edging closer to a transfer after just one season at the club, with Paris Saint-Germain said to have agreed a deal in principle for the player.

That’s according to reports in French newspaper Le Parisien (h/t Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Johnson), which claims the former Real Madrid star is set to join PSG:

Will Giles of Metro writes that French media outlets are claiming a £43.2 million deal has been struck between the clubs, and while PSG are currently offering the player a salary of £208,000 a week, Di Maria’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is keen to secure his client a staggering weekly sum of £250,000.

According to Bundesliga pundit Jan Aage Fjortoft, the Ligue 1 giants are not the only European juggernaut interested in signing the Red Devils man:

The reports are at odds with Di Maria's recent claims that he would be staying at Manchester United, per the Sun (h/t Sky Sports). But from Di Maria’s perspective, you could understand any potential motivation behind wanting a move.

Up to this point, he’s endured a pretty torrid time in England—not only on the pitch, where he has been played in a variety of unfamiliar roles, but off it, with his family home being subject to an attempted burglary, per the Guardian.

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It’d be a major shame for Di Maria to leave for pastures new after just a solitary season in English football. As noted here by football writer Sam Pilger, there is definitely room for the Argentinian to make further improvements to his game:

Although the Red Devils are expected to spend big again this summer, the Old Trafford faithful are looking forward to seeing how a replenished and acclimatised Di Maria will fare during his second crack at the Premier League.

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After all, there were some times when the 27-year-old burst into life in 2014-15, most notably in the early stages of his United career—when he was played in his best position for a spell of games. There were some signs Di Maria was getting back in the groove at the Copa America this summer.

However, as noted by sports journalist Rafael Hernandez, the volatility that plagued his game last season was still prominent:

But the truth is that capriciousness is always going to be there with Di Maria, and it’s part of what makes him such a unique talent. The best way for United boss Louis van Gaal to iron out these instincts is by playing him regularly and in a settled position. Do that, and we’ll see the very best of the Argentina star.

Van Gaal is a manager who demands versatility from his players, though, and although Di Maria can fulfil a variety of roles, he needs positional consistency to flourish. With that in mind, the prospect of a key position, fresh start and a lucrative salary in Paris may appeal to the player. But it’d be a major shame for the Premier League if he ended his stay so prematurely.