Nemanja Matic recently announced that he would leave Manchester United, and Roma quickly emerged as a possible landing spot. He has strong ties with José Mourinho, who was instrumental in bringing him to the Red Devils in the first place, Tuttomercatoweb reports.
The 33-year-old bid farewell to his current through an Instagram post last week. He joined from Chelsea in 2017. He has accumulated 183 appearances at Old Trafford, scoring 4 goals. His contract expires in June, and the option to extend it will not be picked up given the circumstances.
Roma have often followed Mourinho’s advice in the transfer market, and Matic could be the latest addition to the list. The Portuguese gaffer suggested the acquisitions of Rui Patricio, Eldor Shomurodov, and Sergio Oliveira. The Giallorossi have not been shy in bringing in veterans either.
It is not the first time the Serbian international has landed on the radar of a Serie A side. Juventus, Inter, and Milan all tracked him in the last few years, but they never actually lured him in. They could have better chances this time since they would not need to agree on a fee with Manchester United. On the other hand, he earns hefty €7M wages in England.
Roma could target Matic amid a retool of their midfield. Jordan Veretout is likely on his way out, as the management rejected his contractual requests, and he has been demoted afterward. Bryan Cristante is also clamoring for a new deal, and Milan and Juventus are keeping tabs on him.