Manchester United continue to play games with central defender transfer
Manchester United know Chris Smalling has no future at Old Trafford. It’s time they let him move to Roma and move on with his career.
The Premier League campaign is in full swing and somehow, Chris Smalling is still on the books at Manchester United. That’s shocking considering the fact that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has no intention of handing the 30-year-old a chance to work his way back into his squad. It’s time for United officials to do what’s right and let Smalling secure a permanent move to Roma.
Smalling was a key part of the Serie A club’s central defence while on loan last year. To their credit, the Italian club want to acquire the English defender on a permanent basis now. According to Goal, Roma have made “no secret” of their desire to purchase Smalling this summer.
The issue between the two clubs is trying to determine a fair transfer fee. United want to squeeze every bit of value possible out of Smalling. The club reportedly won’t let him leave unless they receive £20 million from Roma. That’s an outrageous fee for a player of his age given the current global pandemic.
It’s time for United to do right by a player who’s been a quality servant for their club for quite some time. A compromise would suit everyone involved at this point in the summer transfer window. Officials at Old Trafford need to get on the phone with Roma and hammer out a fee that works for both sides.
In the end, United should accept anything over £12 million for a player who is deadwood for their current squad. At the age of 30, his value is only going to decrease as the years go by. There’s no significant value for United to protect at this stage of his career.
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Expect United and Roma to come to an agreement before the transfer window slams shut. If they don’t, it’s a bad look for United. They should be doing what they can to help the veteran defender find happiness elsewhere.