Manchester United are expected to make a few signings in the upcoming summer transfer window with the aim of improving the squad even further and challenging for both the Premier League and the Champions League come next season.
But a few players could end up leaving as well. One such player could turn out to be Andreas Pereira, who is currently on loan at Lazio.
Pereira was very highly rated while coming through the club’s academy. But he has failed to establish himself in the Red Devils’ first-team after making the jump to senior football. And to be honest, it is hard to see him breaking into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans even if he ended up remaining at Old Trafford come next season.
Lazio are believed to have an option to buy in his current loan deal and Pereira has admitted that he would not mind staying there. While speaking with TNT Sports Brasil and as reported by Manchester Evening News, he said:
"“Lazio have the option to buy me back from Manchester United, so it all depends on the Biancocelesti.“I know my skills have been appreciated this season and they have until the end of the season to make a decision.“Rome is a wonderful city and I wouldn’t mind staying there. If they don’t keep me, I’ll have to talk to Manchester United to see what’s best for the club and for me.“I’ve spoken to Solskjær to find out my future and he said we need to talk. I just want to play because I am still hoping for a call-up from Brazil for the World Cup in Qatar.”"
Fabrizio Romano tweeted out at the time the loan move was completed that the buy option was €27 million:
Andreas Pereira from Manchester United to Lazio, here we go! Total agreement reached on a loan with buy option [€27m]. Salary will be shared. Medicals on this week. 🔴 #MUFC #transfers @SkySport @ManuBaio https://t.co/tWwu3xdBoL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 28, 2020
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Does Pereira have a future at Manchester United?
According to stats from Transfermarkt, Pereira has scored once and provided 4 assists in his 30 appearances for Lazio across all competitions this season. But these appearances have combined for just 728 minutes of football.
Thus, it is safe to say that Pereira is not a first-team starter for Lazio either. But even then, it is hard to see him making more appearances for Manchester United at this point of time. But it does feel unlikely that the Serie A side would be willing to activate the €27 million buy option.
Pereira has already made an appearance for the Brazil national team and appears to have his sights set on making it into their squad for the upcoming 2022 World Cup in Qatar. For that to happen though, he will have to step up his game considerably because at this time, he does not appear to be in the national team picture.