Benfica always seem to have a talented young thing waiting in the wings for a move to a big club, but their latest hotly-tipped starlet more or less takes the biscuit.
I’m referring to Nemanja Matic, a man who sounds like he could be a robotic version of Nemanja Vidic, but is actually one of the most promising rising stars in European football.
He’s a 24-year-old Serbian International (5 caps), who has now established himself as an integral part of Benfica’s first team. Javi Garcia’s move to Manchester City has freed up a slot in the centre of the park and Matic has been able to take advantage.
Premier League fans may remember him from his time at Chelsea. This is unlikely however, as he only made two appearances, once against Wolves and another time against Wigan (an 8-0 win).
This was back in 2009, where he was still to raw and wasn’t ready to make an impact at a cash-rich, talent-heavy club like Chelsea. But is he ready to return to the Premier League and would he have a bigger impact this time round?
He’s certainly enjoying his time in the Primera Superliga, making 37 appearances this season. He has impressed with his swift feet, his quick mind and his willingness to get forward and support attackers.
The highlight of his season thus far? A scorching volley against Porto, in a 2-2 draw back in January. Goal-scoring could become a major part of his game.
For his fine displays this season, he has been awarded a new contract (running to 2018) and his buy-out clause has been set at 45m euros, or £38m.
Despite this rather off-putting price-tag, A Bola claim that Manchester United are considering making a move for Matic this summer. If this is truly the case, you’d have to think that Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking to engineer a significantly cheaper deal than that offered by his buy-out clause.
He’s only 24-years-old and has limited experience playing in big Leagues against top opposition. Benfica have let better players slip from their grasp for less and you’d have to think they’d be willing to offer a reduction here.
As for whether it’d be a good move? I think so. He’s a fine young talent whose career is really beginning to kick-off. His talent is there for all to see and he’ll be motivated to make his mark in England this time round. A big club like Manchester United may be exactly what he needs to take his career to the next level.
What’s your take? Should Manchester United swoop for this expensive Serbian star?
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where are this chelsea board who like giving out talents freely in exchange of other players,they should read this one and learn more on their mistakes,he went free and now someone hav to cough more than 30m more than what we paid for luiz a double profit.so dont give out courtois,debruyne pliz they will be great players in future.
Manchester utd owners please sIgn midfilder. Don’t look sir alex. you people should not wait sir alex to sign player.get the money and sign grate
We need good talented midfielders who can bring a new dimension to the game.Sir Alex take to long to make his mind up and the the other clubs grap the players
Man utd shuld 4get him & go 4 a more established midfielder wt premire league experience like Fellani
I think sir Alex should handover his roll for someone to step in after winning the 20th EPL.becoz the team is weaking as he grows.
sorry!fo dos ones wu wants tu lose their yang playrs fo free like WIZARD CHELSEA where’s debruyne,lukaku,mceachran,kakuta,piazon,etc(all’re rising stars)
chelsea tu foget n recall lukaku from loan
chelsea tu foget torres,lampard,terru n recall lukaku,bruma,vanaolthfrom loan
it’s time to rebuild chelsea watchout roman let de oldgad leave….cfc4ever
I don’t understand why Chelsea always gives away good players for free. The likes Scott Sinclair,Micheal Mancienne n Matic.
Let Mou come back 2 chelsea, we love him more dan any club.
The service of David Luiz was highly need when the Brazilian Alex was a flop & chelsea have to let Namanje Matic live as a make-weight player for the deal. So chelsea was right, up blues!!!