Heading into the summer transfer window, it seemed like Matteo Darmian was as likely as any Manchester United player to leave. And now it appears imminent that Juventus is the destination for him. Darmian will reportedly become the first United player out the door this summer as the two clubs are now closing in on a deal to bring the Italian international back to his home country.
According to the Daily Mirror: “The Red Devils will pocket €12m (£10.6m) for the former Torino star, who will likely undergo a medical on Friday, claim Sportitalia.”
Darmian, 28, will be returning to Turin, as he starred for Juve’s rival Torino prior to joining United. Darmian played every position in Jose Mourinho’s back line, but failed to establish a position in the first team. He was limited to just 17 appearances last season, and featured 85 times across three seasons since coming to Old Trafford for £12.5 million in 2015.
With Stephan Lichtsteiner set to join Arsenal on a free, Darmian will give the Old Lady more depth.
It’s quite possible that this won’t be the only transfer business United and Juventus do this summer. Both Alex Sandro and Mario Mandzukic are targets for United, and if they wish to leave, Juve will no doubt grant their requests, as it’s their club policy to do so.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Sound Cloud, LinkedIn and YouTube.