Felipe Anderson's move to Manchester United is not in my hands, says Lazio's manager
A dispute over bonus payment is the only thing stalling the transfer of Lazio’s attacking midfielder Felipe Anderson to Manchester United. Rumours linking the Brazilian with a move to Old Trafford have been doing the rounds off-late and now it seems that the two clubs are actually in touch.
Lazio’s head coach Stefano Pioli said he is not absolutely sure if United will complete the move this month or in the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils identified the Brazilian as one of their key targets in the winter transfer window and negotiations were already in place. The £35 million deal has almost been completed but Lazio had promised a bonus amount of money to the player as part of his buyout clause. The Brazilian has thus stalled the move saying that he should be paid the bonus amount that was promised earlier.
When Pioli was asked about the future of his club’s midfielder he chose to not be very transparent about it by saying that his answers run the risk of being interpreted. He said,
“Any answer I give will be interpreted.
“All I know is the club has not told me anything, Felipe Anderson is working to find his best form.
“There’s no news, but I coach the squad and do not control transfers.”
Can Anderson be the answer to United’s problems?
22-years old Felipe Anderson has scored five goals and has an assist to his name from 20 appearances in the Serie A this season. In Lazio’s last match against Juventus which they lost 1-0, Anderson had come on as a second-half substitute.
Anderson, who is known for his pace and technical prowess is called "O rato de Roma" (The mouse from Rome) by the Lazio faithful. He can also double up as a striker, something which he has already done once for his national team. The 22-year-old apparently also possesses the ability to strike with both feet and has also made quite a name for himself as a set-piece taker.
With the addition of Anderson, if the deal does materialize that is, Van Gaal will get a sturdy support in the midfield behind the striker. Someone who can play that physical game and produce moments of creative and technical brilliance as well. It might be too soon to say but Anderson could just be the answer to United’s problems in the attacking zone.