Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, with his family already having ties to the Premier League club.
Few would be aware that his younger brother joined United more than three years ago. Vanja Milinkovic-Savic’s spell at Old Trafford never really got off the ground, though — he was loaned back to his home club, Vojvodina, immediately after completing the transfer in May 2014, then was released in November 2015 after failing to get a work permit.
Unlike his younger brother, Sergej has already played at full international level for Serbia and in the Europa League with Lazio. He probably has a better chance of getting a work permit in England.
Monday was an emotional day for the brothers, as they opposed each other for the first time when Lazio faced Torino in Serie A. However, while Vanja sat on the bench and has so far played just one Coppa Italia game for Torino, Sergej is one of the brightest stars in Italy.
The 2016-17 campaign was sensational for Sergej, whose influence grew under the guidance of Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi.
At the very heart of the attacking moves, he also contributed defensively, making crucial tackles and interceptions.
Tireless and intelligent, he mentions Manchester United and Serbia midfielder Nemanja Matic as his role model, but the 22-year-old is more mobile and possesses more of a threat, as his seven goals in all competitions proved last term. The current season has been even better, with six goals to his name already.
Juventus were mentioned as potential suitors, with Massimiliano Allegri an admirer, while former Juve striker Fabrizio Ravanelli stated in the summer: “Sergej is a fantastic player who has everything — speed, dribbling, physical strength and game vision. I watched him in the Italian Cup final against Juventus, and he is a complete player.”
Juve won that final 2-0 , but were even more impressed with the Serb when Lazio deservedly beat them 3-2 in the Super Cup in August with him calling the shots. Lazio are unwilling to sell him to Serie A rivals, though, and that should make a Premier League move more likely.
“Sergej can make it to the top level, because in addition to phenomenal talent he is totally committed to football. Contrary to many Serbian stars, he is able to ajdust to different circumstances mentally,” Serbian journalist Vladimir Novakovic said.
He is a self-confessed Real Madrid fan since early childhood, but following his brother’s footsteps to Old Trafford could be an option, especially since he now plays for the national team alongside Matic.
The biggest mystery in Serbia was national coach Slavoljub Muslin’s strange refusal to call him up throughout their World Cup qualifying campaign. Eventually, the issue proved to be one of the major reasons for Muslin’s downfall, because he was fired despite successfully guiding the team to the finals in Russia. With the Lazio star making his belated debut in October, he is destined to start next summer, where his price could skyrocket.
With that in mind, Sergej could prove to be a hot property during the January transfer window. But would anyone be able to get him?
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