Nemanja Matic transfer news: Deal closed between departing Man Utd star and next club

Nemanja Matic will be joining Roma on a free transfer after he leaves Manchester United, reports have revealed.

Matic recently confirmed his upcoming departure from Manchester United after five seasons. He will leave the club with 189 appearances under his belt. At the age of 33, it is time for a new challenge.

There have been several reports indicating that Matic is likely to lean towards a reunion with Jose Mourinho when picking his next club. Now, things seem to be approaching the final stretch.

Mourinho signed Matic during his second spell at Chelsea and then took him to Manchester United. Now, a reunion at Roma is nearing completion.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Roma are taking Matic on an initial one-year contract with the option to extend by a further 12 months. They will sign him for free.

It will represent Matic’s first time playing in Serie A, but his existing relationship with Mourinho means it is not a step entirely into the unknown for the defensive midfielder.

He has the characteristics that Mourinho has been looking for in his Roma midfield. The Portuguese tactician has wanted more experience and toughness in that role ever since taking his current job.

Mourinho managed to win the 2021-22 Europa Conference League with Roma, without being able to bring in a defensive midfielder like he wanted. He will hope their addition of Matic will help take them to the next level.

Matic has pedigree in the Champions League and Europa League from his spells with Benfica, Chelsea and Manchester United. Roma will be in the Europa League next season, meaning Matic will continue at continental level.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, contacts between Roma and Matic’s entourage will recommence on Tuesday or Wednesday. As a result, they will hope to find a definitive agreement to end Matic’s Premier League career.

Man Utd could do with Nemanja Matic replacement

As for Man Utd, it will now be important for them to find a new central midfielder. It was already on their agenda and Matic has given them plenty of notice to begin planning.

United will need to find someone like him, but probably younger. Despite his age, though, he was arguably the only member of their midfield to possess natural defensive traits.

Ahead of Erik ten Hag’s inheritance of the manager’s role, United will need to find someone else to bring balance to the centre of their formation.

Matic is ready to move on, so it will be a new chapter for the player and both clubs.

READ MORE: Juan Mata plotting Man Utd revenge with move to Premier League rival a distinct possibility