Jump directly to the content
MATS YOUR LOT

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich intervenes to sign off £50m deal for Nemanja Matic to join Manchester United

Blues chief gives permission for Serbian midfield star to pursue reunion with former boss Jose Mourinho

CHELSEA owner Roman Abramovich has given the green light for Nemanja Matic to pursue a £50million transfer to Manchester United.

The Red Devils have been trying to tie-up a deal for the Serbian international all summer.

Nemanja Matic's move to Manchester United is now firmly back on
10
Nemanja Matic's move to Manchester United is now firmly back onCredit: PA:Press Association
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has given the green light to the move
10
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has given the green light to the moveCredit: Rex Features

Matic, 28, was desperate for a reunion with his former boss Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford.

However, the Blues turned down United’s initial £35m offer.

But the Stamford Bridge kingpin has now intervened and sanctioned the sale of the star should his valuation be met.

Despite being a key part of Antonio Conte's Premier League-winning squad last season, the bulldozing midfielder wants to leave the champions.

Inter Milan have also shown an interest in the star with fellow Serie A side Juventus also join the chase for his signature.

The latter were due to open talks with Chelsea next week over a potential deal but United are determined to get the move completed this month and are expected to lodge a second bid.

Nemanja Matic wants to reunite with his former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho
10
Nemanja Matic wants to reunite with his former Chelsea boss Jose MourinhoCredit: PA:Press Association
Roman Abramovic has intervened to reward the Serb for his efforts in helping the club win the league twice in the last three seasons
10
Roman Abramovic has intervened to reward the Serb for his efforts in helping the club win the league twice in the last three seasonsCredit: Reuters

Although relations soured between the clubs after Mourinho gazumped his old side to sign £75m Romelu Lukaku, tensions appear to have now cooled.

The West London outfit are happy to do business with United should they match their asking price.

Abramovich gave his blessing to the move as a reward for his services in helping the club win the title twice in the last three seasons.

Chelsea have already rejected a bid of £35m for the midfielder
10
Chelsea have already rejected a bid of £35m for the midfielderCredit: Rex Features
Jose Mourinho has been chasing Matic all summer
10
Jose Mourinho has been chasing Matic all summerCredit: Rex Features
The Manchester United boss is now set to make him his third big money recruit of the summer
10
The Manchester United boss is now set to make him his third big money recruit of the summerCredit: AP:Associated Press

The former Benfica remains in England after not joining the rest of the Chelsea squad on their pre-season trip to the USA.

Matic is keen on working with the Portuguese boss again despite their rollercoaster relationship at Stamford Bridge.

The pair enjoyed plenty of success together, but he was infamously brought on as a substitute before being taken off 28 minutes later by Mourinho during a defeat against Southampton.

Antonio Conte preferred to sell the midfielder abroad
10
Antonio Conte preferred to sell the midfielder abroadCredit: Rex Features
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has given the green light for Nemanja Matic to join Manchester United
10
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has given the green light for Nemanja Matic to join Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images
Jose Mourinho now appears to have beaten Juventus and Inter to the star
10
Jose Mourinho now appears to have beaten Juventus and Inter to the starCredit: Getty Images

Speaking about the incident, Matic previously said: "I felt terrible to be subbed, to be honest.

"I am a man first of all and, of course, I felt bad at that moment. But as you know, I didn’t react, I stayed professional.

"Normally some of the players react to that and cause some problems but as you can see I didn’t react and showed respect for the coach and for the club and my team.

"It was very hard. You have to play and see how it feels.

"I knew I did the right thing when I sat on the bench. I knew I did the right thing and I am proud that I didn’t react."

Nemanja Matic factfile - The tough tackling Serb who scored a wondergoal in the FA Cup semi-final

  • Born in Sabac, Serbia, in August, 1988.
  • He began his career aged five at Vrelo, where he was coached by his father, just 500m from his house.
  • In 2005 he signed for Serbian club Kolubara, and then moved to Slovakian side Kosice in 2007.
  • He spent time on trial at Middlesbrough before Chelsea beat Sunderland and Tottenham to sign him in August 2009 for £1.5million.
  • After two first team games, Chelsea sent him on loan to Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem.
  • In January 2011 Matic was sold to Benfica along with £21million in exchange for Brazil defender David Luiz.
  • He flourished at Benfica, was named Portuguese Player of the Year and reached the Europa League final, where they were beaten by Chelsea.
  • In January 2014, Chelsea, under manager Jose Mourinho, signed him back for £21million, and he made his second Chelsea debut against Man Utd.
  • He has won two Premier League titles in three seasons at Chelsea, and last season played 40 games, scoring twice including a stunning strike in the FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham.
  • Matic is a strong tackling defensive midfielder who is tactically disciplined and at 6ft 4in tall is very good in the air.
  • His brother Uros is also a professional footballer, with FC Copenhagen.
  • He is married to childhood sweetheart Aleksandra, who he met at school, and they have two children.


Keep up to date with all the latest news, gossip, rumours and done deals in SunSport’s live transfer blog


Topics