Lazio have secured Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira on a season-long loan deal.
The 24-year-old played a big part in Manchester United’s last campaign – he featured 25 times in the Premier League, scoring once and assisting three as Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s side finished 6th.
It was his best showing to date in Manchester red, but after the arrival of Bruno Fernandes, a lot has changed at the club. His impact has been profound and it’s almost instilled a new belief into the whole side, leaving the likes of Pereira to watch on.
Speaking on Pereira, Solksjaer told Sky Sports:
“He started last season really well and played loads of games. You could see the confidence growing and see him developing but, after we signed Bruno, that position that Andy played in was taken because Bruno came in and had such an impact.”
There’s no doubting Fernandes’ ability and no removing him from the starting line-up. Pereira though has landed at a good club in Lazio, as stated by Solksjaer as well:
“They’re a big club, Lazio. Andreas needs to play regularly.”
Lazio had a strong season last time around – they were unexpected title contenders throughout but after the post-COVID restart, their form took a downturn and they ended up finishing 4th – though still only five points behind eventual champions Juventus.
Simone Inzaghi’s side will go again this season and they were hoping to do so with David Silva in their ranks.
The Spaniard left Manchester City after a profound spell at the club, and Lazio looked to be his likeliest destination but for him to opt for a return to Spain, where he’s since signed for Real Sociedad.
It came as a bitter blow to the club and they’ve been in search of midfield cover since. Now landing on a season-long loan for Pereira, Inzaghi’s fears may be quelled slightly as they prepare for a crunch match against Inter tomorrow.
They had a disappointing 4-1 defeat at home to Atalanta last time out, with the veteran likes of Lucas Leiva in a five-strong midfield, paired with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Luis Alberto.
There’s plenty of positions for Pereira to play with the Biancocelesti then, and his role may initially start as back-up as he learns Lazio’s style and gets to know his eventual midfield partners as well.
All in all, this looks to be a really positive outcome for all parties. Pereira is a fine player and still young. He would’ve been no good to anyone sitting on the United bench each week and in order to fulfill his potential, he needs to be playing regular first-team football in a top European league.
Lazio is a top club and an exciting, attacking-minded and fresh one. Pereira will still have to work his way into starting contention but the opportunity is there for him, and after a good showing at United last season, he could really take well to the Serie A.