Manchester United Transfer News: Huge Angel Di Maria, Sergio Romero Rumours
Manchester United look poised to continue their spree of summer signings, with reports linking the club with a move for Argentina international goalkeeper Sergio Romero. But suggestions Angel Di Maria will quit the club this summer for Paris-Saint Germain are gathering pace.
Taking Di Maria first, as noted by Bleacher Reportโs Jonathan Johnson, reports in France suggest the wheels are well in motion over a potential deal:
Those rumours have been amplified by stories closer to home. According to Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star, the Argentina international has decided his future lies elsewhere despite previously insisting he wants to stay at Old Trafford. Simon Jones of the MailOnline said the French giants are willing to pay ยฃ43 million for his signature and are "closing in" on a deal.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville admitted he would be disappointed to see the Argentina international leave:
Looking at things from Di Mariaโs perspective, a transfer may be understandable. As noted by Cross, the midfielder has struggled to settle in the country and matters were made even worse when his family were the target of a burglary at his Cheshire home. Cross wrote that the prospect of a โfresh startโ in Paris appeals to the former Real Madrid man.
From Unitedโs standpoint, although Di Maria didnโt set the world alight last season in the Premier League, theyโd be losing a player with genuine world-class ability. Sam Pilger of FourFourTwo thinks the Red Devils simply cannot afford to let the winger walk away:
After all, the team being assembled by Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal seems ideal for Di Maria to flourish in. With players like Matteo Darmian, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin now on board, heโll have a lot more insurance behind him and subsequently, plenty more freedom.
Bleacher Reportโs Andy Brassell canโt see a scenario emerging where the Red Devils do let their record signing leave:
The reports are gathering pace, though, and with both Cross and Jones citing a potential weekly salary of ยฃ200,000-a-week being offered by PSG, the player will surely be tempted. Especially if his current club are willing to sell him.
For the everyday supporter itโd be a disappointment. Di Maria is one of the few players in the Premier League with the ability to alter matches and would surely fare better in the division second time around. Unfortunately, it seems increasingly likely we wonโt ever get to see if thatโs the case.
If the Red Devils do receive a substantial windfall for Di Mariaโs sale, some of the money could well be spent on the wages of Romero, with Gianluca Di Marzio (h/t Fabrizio Romano of Sky Sports) claiming the club are in talks with the free agent about a deal:
According to Goal UK, Unitedโs current back-up goalkeeper Victor Valdes is in discussions with Valencia about a loan deal, and with rumours persistent about Real Madridโs apparent pursuit of David De Gea, per Ben Burrows of the Daily Mirror, itโs clear Van Gaal will need to add some quality to his goalkeeping ranks.
Romero on a free transfer, could be an astute option:
The Argentina international has long been the first choice for his country and at times heโs showcased stunning shot-stopping abilities in the national team jersey. But the former Sampdoria man is not the most reliable of options, nor is he anywhere near the standard of De Gea or Valdes.
Romero could be an able deputy to whichever goalkeeper is first choice at Old Trafford during the 2015-16 season:
On a free transfer, itโs tough to see a downside to the deal provided Romero does come in as a No. 2. United are back in the Champions League next season, after all, meaning Van Gaal is likely to rotate his goalkeeping options in the minor cup competitions. As such, the 28-year-old should get plenty of game time.
Valdes would be the ideal deputy to De Gea moving forward given his talent and experience. But a goalkeeper of his quality shouldnโt be sitting on the bench and as such, itโd be no surprise to see him go in search of pastures new.
