According to today’s report coming from Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, it is being claimed that Roma’s #44 Kostas Manolas is probably playing his last season with the Giallorossi. His next destination? Possibly Old Trafford.
Previously, Italian outlet Calciomercato linked the Greek international heavily, with a move to Manchester United. Although his contract is running down in 2022, the defender has got a release clause of €36m. But this heavy linkage gives way to the prime question; Can United answer its defensive woes, even if the Greek sensation does indeed secure a move to Old Trafford ?
A club like Manchester United can easily fund a €36m transfer move. The club has been flying high since the appointment of interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær. Recently, Manchester United secured an away win at Stamford Bridge after defeating Chelsea in the 5th round of the FA Cup. The final score was 0-2 (thanks to Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba).
However with the January window closed, focus has quickly shifted to the summer window which makes us beg the question arising from this latest piece of media report from Italy. Can the arrival of Kostas Manolas, significantly boost up the team’s defensive line and can the 27 year old deliver on the massive expectation at Old Trafford ?
The Greek international has featured 20 times for the Giallorossi club, assisting once and scoring once in the ongoing Serie A season. He also scored once in the UEFA Champions League group stage, while featuring 6 times for AS Roma.
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Standing 1.89m tall, Kostas Manolas is a power header. He has featured in multiple match winning performances receiving many a plaudit for his talents, most specifically after the infamous match winning header against FC Barcelona.
His addition to the Red Devils roster will be a significant boost for coach Solskjær, while at the same time, adding pressure on the opposition forwards (especially the attackers). Manchester United, this season have witnessed a seamless and complete transformation from a Park-the-bus team to an all out attack minded team.
If this continues under the Norwegian’s tenure, then the arrival of Kostas Manolas is nothing short of a ‘Cherry on top’ moment for United faithfuls.
Manolas is one of the best talents, Serie A can provide. He has been a crucial part of Roma’s roster, especially after the arrival of manager Eusebio Di Francesco. He has majorly featured as a starting defender for Roma, single handedly helping in clinching the three points and numerous clean sheets with his gritty and resolute style of play on a number of occasions.
A talent like Manolas is a bargain in today’s date. Along with the 20 time English champions, the defender is also reportedly under the radar of German giants Bayern Munich and Italian giants Juventus respectively. On several occasions, United have previously followed Manolas but to no success and a move never could materialise and United faithfuls will now hope that this time it can be a completely different story altogether.
Roma’s sporting director Monchi had convinced the defender to stay last summer after intense speculations regarding his future had starting stemming out from the club. This time however, the tale can take a major twist if Roma fail to qualify for the UCL next season.
A move to Old Trafford can help AS Roma and Manchester United mutually. According to the report, Roma will apparently try to eliminate the release clause altogether which would then enable them to ask for a fee around €50m.
Moreover, agent Mina Raiola prefers a “Non-traumatic departure” which can favour Manchester United. If the Red Devils are able to successfully complete this transaction, then it certainly seems like a win-win situation for all parties involved.
As United would then be able to add a highly talented fresh talent, which can boost up their roster significantly while AS Roma can answer its stringent ‘budget needs’ by selling off another of their prized assets while making a significant profit on the business made as usual.
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Moreover, Kostas Manolas will undoubtedly double the salary he is getting right now at AS Roma, by signing a new contract with the Old Trafford based hierarchy. Win win for all indeed.
If United do actually go on to clinch a defender with such a solid statistic background, it is inevitably going to serve as a hugely significant boost for the upcoming season to their team and would effectively empower Solskjær to be able to help the Red Devils reach new heights.
While it will be interesting to observe, how the board go about their way in trying to complete this tricky piece of transfer business for the next season. More than that, it will be interesting to witness how Kostas Manolas will adjust to the this foreign league and to the tactics and philosophy of his new manager if the transfer does indeed go through.
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