Chelsea cannot sell Nemanja Matic to Manchester United
The latest transfer rumours indicate that Chelsea will be selling Nemanja Matic…to Manchester United. Antonio Conte cannot allow this to happen.
Never sell to a rival. That is an age-old principle in football. However, Chelsea appear set to contravene this as they move closer to agreeing a deal with Manchester United for Nemanja Matic. No matter what price the Red Devils are offering, this cannot happen.
Eurosport is one of the numerous outlets reporting that a Matic deal is inevitable, with the Serbian expected to formally move in the coming days.
"Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic is expected to sign for Manchester United in a deal worth £40 million later this week.Matic has been a mainstay of the Chelsea teams which have won the title in two of the past three seasons but is now set to reunite with former manager Jose Mourinho after reports said personal terms had been agreed on top of his transfer fee."
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Whatever the money that is on the table, this is a mistake. Whether it be Ashley Cole, Sol Campbell or Robin Van Persie, players who have switched between rival clubs have haunted their former employers.
Chelsea are not in desperate financial trouble. Just because United are offering the most money does not render them the ideal candidate. Matic, at the age of 28, is still a valuable player and clubs on the continent would still be interested for the same, or a slightly lower, price.
Matic going to United only strengthens their squad. After a year of rebuilding under Jose Mourinho, the Red Devils are poised to challenge for all four trophies this season. Even during a poor campaign they came away with two pieces of silverware. They are now looking for domination.
The Serbian has not been at the top of his game over the last two years, but a change in scene is perhaps all he needs to reinvigorate himself. Chelsea’s team has not changed all too much since he rejoined, with most of the key players being the same each year (Diego Costa, Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas, Gary Cahill).
A move to Old Trafford will see him play alongside completely new faces. Much has been said about Paul Pogba’s form, but Matic could be the perfect foil to release the Frenchman’s full potential.
That is just scary.
United’s squad is packed full of talent, but they failed to hit their stride. Matic may be that final piece of the jigsaw that brings everything together. If Mourinho has his team playing to their true potential, they will run away with the Premier League and perhaps even the Champions League.
Their defence is concerning, but Mourinho has already made moves with the signing of Victor Lindelof. Matic’s strength is in defence and expect United to bring in another new face before August.
Some Chelsea fans have scoffed at this move. Matic’s time is up, so who cares if he joins United? His time is far from up. He is under 30 and is extremely talented. Old Trafford may just be the inspiration that he requires to become the midfield destroyer he once was.
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And for the rest of European football, that would signal the end of any silverware hopes.