Dejan Kulusevski Dismisses January Transfer Talk amid Manchester United Rumours
Dec 29, 2019
NAPLES, ITALY - DECEMBER 14: Dejan Kulusevski of Parma Calcio celebrates after his goal with teammate Gervinho during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Parma Calcio at Stadio San Paolo on December 14, 2019 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
Parma forward Dejan Kulusevski has dismissed speculation linking him with a January transfer amid rumours regarding interest from Manchester United.
Kulusevski, who is currently on loan at Parma from Atalanta, is enjoying a breakthrough season and has emerged as one of the most exciting players in the Italian top flight. Unsurprisingly, talk has been building about interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs.
However, the man himself has dismissed any suggestion he may be on the move in the midseason window and will make a choice over a possible transfer at the end of the campaign, per SVT (h/t Football Italia).
"When you think about the future, you forget the present," he said. "That’s why right now, I’m only thinking about improving more with each day. I certainly don’t know what will happen in the future. I’m focused on improving and I’ll make a decision at the end of the season."
Per Football Italia, in addition to the Red Devils, Serie A leaders Inter Milan have been mentioned as possible admirers.
The high-profile interest is testament to the quality of performances the 19-year-old has turned in in the 2019-20 season.
The Scouted Football account provided the numbers behind what has been an impressive beginning to the campaign for the Sweden international:
19-year-old Dejan Kulusevski has directly contributed to 11 goals - four goals and seven assists - before the winter break in his debut Serie A campaign.
This season, Kulusevski has been used in a variety of positions across midfield and attack for Parma, although he's been most effective on the right flank.
In that position, he's afforded extra freedom and offers a fantastic outlet on the counter-attack. What's been so impressive about the Parma star this season has been his ability to make smart choices in the final third.
The technical quality, transition speed and productivity shown by Kulusevski this season are huge assets, and with the right guidance, it's easy to see him developing into a fantastic footballer. Per Italian football writer David Amoyal, he's already performed well in some big games too:
Kulusevski has been sensational for Parma all season, he put in a masterclass against Roma today
Atalanta owns him and there’s already buzz on some big clubs trying to sign him in January
The Swede produced this sensational run and pass to set up Gervinho late on against Napoli earlier this month, securing a memorable 2-1 win for Parma:
🚨 PARMA WIN IT IN STOPPAGE TIME!
💛💙 The Crociati deliver a deadly, trademark counter, and Gervinho and Kulusevski combine to get the winner for the away team! pic.twitter.com/DL0UindE7C
It would appear as though there is a mature head on Kulusevski's shoulders too, as he appreciates the value of getting regular football with Parma for the remainder of the campaign.
His short-term ambition should be continuing to get in the Parma XI and adding more positive facets to his game. Provided his development remains on an upward trajectory, speculation linking him with European heavyweights will only intensify ahead of the summer.
Dejan Kulusevski Says He's 'Fine at Parma' Amid Manchester United Rumours
Nov 20, 2019
Manchester United reportedly showing interest isn't enough to turn Dejan Kulusevski's head after he expressed his happiness at Parma, where he is on loan until next summer.
Kulusevski, whose parent club is Atalanta, said he's not thinking about moving on during the winter transfer window, per Metro's Phil Haigh: "I'm fine at Parma. I'm happy to be here. I've found the perfect club. The market? I'm playing well, so it's normal to write about other clubs, but I don't think about [a January move] because I have an annual deal with Parma."
Still just 19, Kulusevski has been coming to prominence this season, with United keen. United are supposed to have been enticed by his performance during a 2-0 win over AS Roma, when a United scout there to watch loanee Chris Smalling took notice of Parma's rising star, per Corriere della Sera (h/t Metro).
United's interest is the result of the teenager's quality performances in the Italian top flight this term, performances that have yielded two goals and five assists.
Most open play assists by players aged 23-or-under across Europe's top five leagues this season:
5 • 🏴 Jadon Sancho 5 • 🇫🇷 Marcus Thuram 5 • 🇸🇪 Dejan Kulusevski 4 • 🏴 Harvey Barnes 4 • 🏴 Dwight McNeil 4 • 🇩🇪 Timo Werner 4 • 🇮🇹 Paolo Ghiglione 4 • 🇪🇸 Mikel Oyarzabal pic.twitter.com/LJVJV3ihva
Kulusevski wasn't nearly as effective with Atalanta last season, but working with Parma boss Roberto D'Aversa has helped unlock his potential. The player who can flourish out wide or operate behind the striker has been tormenting defences with his vision, flair and willingness to take on shots early:
Only one teenager has 30+ shot assists in Europe's top five leagues this season.
Successful performances at club level have translated into exposure on the international stage after Kulusevski came off the bench for Sweden during a 3-0 win over the Faroe Islands in the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers recently.
There is no denying Kulusevski is set to continue attracting interested suitors as the season progresses. United would be wise to keep him on the radar since the Red Devils have an obvious need for a dynamic presence who could boost their creativity from midfield.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's midfield ranks are populated with industry and brawn in the form of Scott McTominay, Fred and little-used Nemanja Matic. There is potentially ample guile thanks to Juan Mata and Andreas Pereira, but Paul Pogba remains inconsistent and has been dealing with injuries.
United need a young talisman to build around in the middle, and Kulusevski fits the bill. For now, though, the Manchester club would be smart to keep tabs on the burgeoning talent while he accelerates his development during what is proving to be a highly educational and beneficial stay with Parma.
Matteo Darmian Completes Transfer from Manchester United to Parma
Sep 2, 2019
Manchester United's Italian defender Matteo Darmian arrives for a training session at the Carrington Training complex in Manchester, north west England on October 22, 2018, ahead of their UEFA Champions League group H football match against Juventus on October 23. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)
The Italy international was brought to Old Trafford in 2015 by then-manager Louis van Gaal, but found himself out of the picture under successors Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Darmian, 29, made only six Premier League appearances in the 2018-19 season—which was a clear indicator that he was surplus to requirements.
He had yet to play any minutes in 2019-20, and Solskjaer had already confirmed it was possible he would leave:
Solskjaer on Darmian & Rojo: "I can see maybe Matteo (leaving). There has been some interest in Matteo over in Italy. Marcos, he's staying definitely. We've got a squad now that's less in numbers, but still big enough & strong enough to have coverage in all positions" #MUFC
Despite his versatility, Darmian's prospects of getting much game time this term always looked bleak after United paid £50 million to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace.
Darmian will be hoping to regain the kind of momentum he enjoyed during his days at former club Torino upon arriving at Parma.
He scored one goal in 92 appearances for the Red Devils during his stay at Old Trafford, where he won the UEFA Europa League and Carabao Cup in 2017, one year after clinching the FA Cup.
