With Angel Di Maria not featuring in yesterday's game against Atletico Madrid, not even being on the team list in fact, rumors were rampant that a near move to a major club started running wild. Well, it didn't take long before a report with a price tag came out.
Sky Sports is reporting that "[Manchester] United will pay between 60-70 million Euros (£48-55m) for the player. More than 60." Other reports state that it will be even more than 70m plus additional performance-based bonuses should ADM meet the requirements. The report states that the transfer will take place next week and that he'll take the number 7 jersey at United.
Angel Di maria is an incredibly important player for Real Madrid. he was the most valuable player in the Champions League final and single-handedly wrecked Barcelona for an entire half when the two sides met in the spring. His pace, precision crosses, work ethic and presence all over the pitch would be a welcome addition to every club in the world.
However, he's clearly not happy at Real Madrid. The club offered him a pay raise which would've allegedly put him on fellow key midfielder Luka Modric's level, but he declined it. Carlo has expressed his admiration for him, so have fellow players and the fans as well. However, this does not appear to be enough for him to want to stay.
When a player is this unhappy the club has little options but to sell him. On the face of it, this hurts the club tactically-speaking as he is a very valuable player, but to potentially get over 70 million Euros for someone demanding to leave is an absolutely incredible bit of business. Personally, I hope he somehow stays but if he doesn't then this amount of money could be used to reinvest in top end youth to position this club for the future. We shall see what happens, but for now it looks like ADM will soon be a Manchester United player.