Federico Macheda looks to be leaving Manchester United this summer with Sampdoria the likely destination. With so much young attacking talent at Old Trafford Macheda may be shown the door. Having spent the last few months on loan to Sampdoria they are in pole position for his signature, although relegation from Serie A could scupper the deal.
Macheda joined Sampdoria on loan on the 8th January 2011 until the end of the season. He made his debut from the bench against Roma the next day and scored on his first start for the club on the 19th January, bagging the opener against Udinese in the Coppa Italia, a match which Sampdoria went on to win in a penalty shoot out after the game finished 2-2 AET.
Macheda was plucked from Lazio’s youth set up by United just after his 16th birthday due to the loophole in Italy where players cannot sign professional contracts if they are under 18. Macheda’s family relocated to England when he signed for United and he could be keen on a return to his homeland.
However, rumoured to be on a £35,000 a week contract this might prove a problem for Sampdoria if Macheda wants his wages matched, especially if relegation to Serie B is confirmed. It is open to question whether Macheda would drop down another level, especially as he has been capped for the Italy Under 21’s of late, but his agent Giovanni Bia has said that it could be a useful experience for him.
Although tipped as a temporary replacement for Antonio Cassano who joined AC Milan, Macheda has struggled to find the net for Sampdoria and has only made 3 league starts. An asking price of around £5 – 7 million could put Sampdoria off the undoubtedly talented youngster, but another loan deal could be a possibility.
Macheda started his career brightly at Manchester United with the winner on his debut in a 3-2 victory against Aston Villa that helped push the Old Trafford club towards the title. Starting on the bench against Villa was his reward for a hat trick in the reserves the previous week. In the 2009/10 season Macheda saw little action, mostly in the league cup and with the progress of Danny Welbeck it seems Macheda’s will not be in the frame at Old Trafford next seaon.
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