Louis Van Gaal keeps adding talent to his roster, and one of this year's emerging players could be getting closer to signing with the team. According to ESPN's pundit Jose Elias, Roberto Firmino will be joining Manchester United for the upcoming season, with reports indicating the Red Devils have agreed to pay £13 million for the attacking midfielder.
Recently, Firmino had declined to join either Manchester United or Arsenal, stating he was comfortable playing with the German side, but the Red Devils' offer apparently was too interesting to decline. Coach Louis Van Gaal started scouting the player back in April, after Firmino showed his class with Brazil in a series of friendly matches. The midfielder has scored three goals in just six matches with La Canarinha.
The player will be joining Manchester United once he finishes his Copa America participation with Brazil. He will be subject to a medical examination during the South American tournament, according to the referred source.
Firmino's signing is not as surprising as you woud think.
Firmino has played left wing, right wing, as a striker and as an attacking midfielder. It would make sense, Van Gaal likes versatile players
— James Stretford (@Jamesstretford) June 11, 2015
A lot of media outlets suggesting that #MUFC have agreed a deal for Roberto Firmino. Very interesting and such a typical LvG signing.
— Liam (@OffsideLiam) June 11, 2015
Roberto Firmino scores goals by looking the other way, that's all I know about him... #MUFC https://t.co/KfZJgCd8Xr
— UtdVideos (@UtdVideos) June 11, 2015
Remember when Firmino had a £16m buyout clause & Rodgers chose to pay £25m for Lallana instead because he was PL proven? Criminal decision.
— SherlinRed (@SherlinRed) June 11, 2015
No midfielder over the past two seasons has been directly involved in more Bundesliga goals (scored & assisted) than Roberto Firmino (44).
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 11, 2015