Blow for Man Utd and Leeds! Napoli Set to Win Race for €21m Star

Vanja Milinkovic-Savic Chooses Serie A Champions Over Premier League and Championship Suitors

It’s shaping up to be a frustrating summer for Manchester United and Leeds United, as their hopes of signing Vanja Milinkovic-Savic appear to be fading fast. According to reliable transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Napoli are now in pole position to land the highly-rated Torino goalkeeper, with a deal nearing completion that would see the Serbian shot-stopper move to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

In a twist that adds another layer to this transfer saga, Cyril Ngonge is expected to head in the opposite direction, joining Torino on loan as part of the transaction. While that’s good news for Napoli fans and new manager Antonio Conte, it spells disappointment for both United and Leeds — two clubs that have had a keen eye on the 28-year-old.

What Happened: Napoli Push Ahead as Premier League Clubs Stall

Vanja Milinkovic-Savic Torino

Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, standing at a towering 6ft 8in, has built a reputation as one of the most consistent goalkeepers in Serie A over the past few seasons. Despite a €21 million (£18m) release clause, it appears both Manchester United and Leeds were either too cautious or too late to make their move. Now, the Serie A champions have swooped in with the urgency and clarity of vision that the English clubs lacked.

Romano’s report suggests that negotiations are in their final stages, and an official announcement could be made within days.

For Manchester United, who are still dealing with the fallout of an underwhelming debut season for Andre Onana, this development is far from ideal. Onana arrived last summer from Inter Milan with high expectations but has yet to consistently convince fans and pundits alike that he’s the long-term answer in goal. Questions remain about his command of the box, distribution under pressure, and reliability in big moments.

For Leeds, who are desperately trying to rebuild and push for promotion back to the Premier League, it’s an equally tough blow. Illan Meslier has had his fair share of ups and downs, with critics pointing to lapses in concentration and inconsistent shot-stopping. Signing Milinkovic-Savic would have been a major statement of intent — a blend of ambition and smart recruitment.

The Bigger Picture: Timing Is Everything in the Transfer Market

Milinkovic-Savic’s rise has been steady rather than explosive. Originally signed by Manchester United as a teenager in 2014, the Serbian never made a competitive appearance for the Red Devils due to work permit issues. Instead, he embarked on a winding journey that included stops at Lechia Gdansk, Standard Liege, SPAL, and Ascoli, before finally settling in at Torino, where he truly came into his own.

Over the past few seasons, he’s emerged as one of the most dependable keepers in Italy — a commanding presence in the box with sharp reflexes and excellent one-on-one ability. It’s no surprise that he’s been linked with a move to a bigger club. What is surprising, perhaps, is how slowly some of his suitors moved.

Clubs like Manchester United and Leeds, with well-known goalkeeping issues, might look back at this window and wonder whether they missed a golden opportunity. In an era when quality goalkeepers are becoming increasingly scarce — and expensive — the chance to land a player like Milinkovic-Savic for €21m should’ve sparked immediate action.

Did You Know? A Second Chance at the Big Time for Milinkovic-Savic

Despite never playing a minute for Manchester United, Milinkovic-Savic has always had ties to English football. His time in the Red Devils’ youth ranks was brief, but it left an impression. Many scouts saw potential even then, but bureaucratic red tape cut short what might have been an earlier Premier League breakthrough.

Now, more than a decade later, he seems poised to make a jump — just not to England. Napoli, under the ruthless guidance of Antonio Conte, are reloading after a dominant Serie A campaign. The addition of Milinkovic-Savic fits their strategy perfectly: he brings experience, size, and a calm head to a team that will once again compete on multiple fronts next season.

What’s Next? Leeds Keep Searching, United May Stand Still

Andre-Onana

So where does this leave Leeds and Manchester United?

For Leeds, the need for a new No.1 is now more urgent than ever. With Meslier’s form unconvincing and a long, gruelling Championship season ahead, don’t be surprised if they dive back into the market. Free agents and lesser-known European keepers might now be on their radar, but few will offer the blend of pedigree and presence that Milinkovic-Savic would have brought.

At Manchester United, the situation is more nuanced. Erik ten Hag, or whoever may be at the helm if changes are made, could still place faith in Onana. After all, it was just one season, and even the likes of David De Gea had rocky starts before turning things around. But there’s no denying the pressure from fans and media alike. A shaky goalkeeper can undermine an entire campaign — especially for a team expected to compete in Europe.

With Napoli moving quickly and decisively, both United and Leeds are left playing catch-up.

Final Thoughts: A Deal That Could Echo Into the Season

Transfers are often about more than talent. Timing, decisiveness, and trust all play massive roles. In this case, Napoli acted like champions — identifying a need, targeting a solution, and getting it done. Meanwhile, their English counterparts hesitated.

As Vanja Milinkovic-Savic prepares for a fresh chapter in Naples, don’t be surprised if this deal becomes one of the summer’s more quietly influential moves. For Napoli, it’s a strengthening of an already solid spine. For Leeds and United, it might end up as a case of what could have been.

One thing’s for sure: if he thrives under the lights of the Maradona, the regret in Manchester and West Yorkshire will only grow stronger.