According to the latest reports, Manchester United have reached an agreement with Benfica for versatile winger Nicolas Gaitan. Last month Portugal newspaper A Bola had covered the report (fees quoted €30m), but this time, reputed Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has given an update on the story. Therefore we decided to take a look at the whole scenario (once more).
Portuguese clubs are usually selling clubs. They maintain the club’s finances by selling their top players to big European clubs for high transfer fees and Benfica and Porto are no exceptions to that rule.
The newspapers in Portugal are happy to cover big transfer stories, often to the level of exaggeration. Benfica last season sold several players to top European clubs and yet they managed to win the league. This time the focus is on Nicolas Gaitan. The versatile Argentine winger has been at the club for five years. He has been regularly linked with a move abroad, especially to Manchester United, but somehow the deal never materialised for him. Maybe the interest in him was merely hype from the press (or a mischievous agent) and nothing serious from the club!
It will become a lengthy story if we go on & underline the details of ‘Gaitan to Manchester United transfer rumours’ which have had been circulated in the media over the last few years. After enjoying a good season, it was only a matter of time before he would get linked with Premier League clubs, specifically United, once again.
Summary of this transfer saga so far: Chelsea have registered an interest in Gaitan (which is strange considering that the Blues have an surfeit of wingers/forwards in their ranks). The club officials were in London recently where they tried to sort out a deal for the Argentine. Manchester United moved in quickly and agreed a deal with him for around €30m. The player himself admitted that he is totally committed to the Benfica project but will listen to offers, if they are good enough.
Portugal newspaper O Jogo yesterday published a story where they claimed Gaitan would still leave Benfica (despite his desire to stay) and join United in the summer, provided that the Red Devils part ways with Angel di Maria.
Di Marzio notes that the transfer saga borders between “reality & fantasy”. He is spot on here. The move defies all logic while at the same time, the interest in him remains strong as ever. So, is it just a complete media fabrication or there is any truth behind it?
According to Sky Italia, Nani could be offered to sweeten the deal. They claim the operation is ready to materialise, with or without involving Di Maria. We have to wait and see how the situation unfolds in the coming days.
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