The transfer window hasn’t even been closed for a month, and we’ve already got the Italian press talking about January, and more specifically Matteo Darmian.
Yes, we know, and we’re sorry, but the fact the Italian defender is still at Manchester United after months of constant speculation means one of the more excruciating sagas of the past year is still ongoing.
Gazzetta dello Sport are the guilty parties, looking at all the Manchester United contracts running out next June, which, as things stand, includes the right-back.
We say ‘as things stand’ because the Red Devils have an option to extend the Italian’s deal for a further year if they so wish, and it would seem foolish for them not to do so.
Ed Woodward will want to see Darmian exit for cash rather than simply allow him to discuss terms with other clubs for a free transfer in January, regardless of how badly three-quarters of the fanbase want him gone.
It isn’t like clubs aren’t interested, as Gazzetta state the ‘cream’ of Serie A are still following him, which includes the likes of Juventus and Inter.
Both were prepared to welcome him this summer, but Manchester United’s demands were too high, perhaps aware they would struggle to find a replacement.
With time now on their hands, they might be able to identify the successor, trigger the option for an extra year and then sell him for a reasonable price.
But that would be too easy, right?
