Manchester United Transfer Rumors: Angel Di Maria To PSG Sealed?
Just last year, Argentine winger Angel Di Maria was signed by Manchester United FC on a whopping £59.7 million ($93.29 million) contract. But after a year playing for the Red Devils, Di Maria's career with the English club looks like it's coming to a close.
Di Maria's performance with Manchester was average at best, managing to produce only three goals and 10 assists in 27 Premier League matches, per ESPN. More was and is definitely expected from Di Maria, having won every cup and title when he played in La Liga, as part of Real Madrid before coming to the UK.
But it seems that Louis Van Gaal, Manchester general manager, does not have the patience to wait for Di Maria's breakout spell. Van Gaal quickly removed Di Maria from their starting XI after the manager casted doubts in his underwhelming showing, The Guardian reported.
Bleacher Report noted that Van Gaal has made significant moves when the transfer window opened a few weeks ago. He has improved their roster with acquisitions like Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin; a supposed competent supporting cast for Di Maria if he were to stay with Manchester.
That might not happen, as a report by the Daily Star said that the Argentine is on the verge of closing in on a £50 million ($78.11 million) transfer to the French giants Paris St-Germain. With this move, Manchester will be able to recoup some of the money they have spent on Di Maria.
Di Maria previously said that he wanted vindication, but it seems like the star winger has changed his mind following PSG's offer. Fideo expressed interest in joining the French billionaires instead. The French club has reportedly promised Di Maria regular starts in the team, according to the Daily Star.
Daily Star also said that Van Gaal "is reluctant to sell Di Maria but will agree to let him go if the winger wants to leave."
Goal reported that Jorge Mendes, Di Maria's agent, traveled to France to meet with PSG's senior officials. Sources close to the French club told Mercato: "The player wants PSG, Manchester is not opposed to his departure. It just requires that all parties meet there and that Paris is not the fall guy overpaying wages or transfer."
If the transfer is finalized, only time will tell if Van Gaal made a mistake in releasing a winger regarded as one of the best to step out on the pitch.
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