Lazio president stresses that manager Maurizio Sarri dosen’t want to sign Manchester United midfielder Fred.
The Brazil midfielder is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer and Lazio have been linked with a move to sign him. Of course, Lazio aren’t alone – they are reportedly joined by Galatasaray, Fulham and a club from the Saudi Pro League.
It has now emerged that former Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri blocked the deal by telling Lazio he was not keen on the plan to sign Fred because instead he wants Napoli duo Piotr Zielinski and Samuele Ricci.
Lazio president Claudio Lotito told Messaggero (via Metro): “I was prepared to open talks with Manchester United and bid for Fred, but Maurizio Sarri told me no – he doesn’t want Fred.
“He did the same with [Giovani] Lo Celso… Sarri wants [Piotr] Zielinski and [Samuele] Ricci.”
Fred has fallen down the pecking order in the midfield department under Erik ten Hag, especially following the arrival of Mason Mount. He could be pushed further back by the potential arrival of Sofyan Amrabat too.
After joining United in 2018, Fred has made 213 appearances and at 30, he can leave knowing he has represented one of the biggest clubs in the world.
United need to move players on this summer and he is one of them, although he won’t be expecting to see him rock up at Lazio anytime soon.
My money is still on Galatasaray… if they can reach an agreement with United.
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