Luka Sucic has admitted that he’s flattered by a reported interest from Manchester United, but that he’s happy plying his trade with Real Sociedad.
The Croatian midfielder, 22, only arrived at the Reale Arena in August, having previously made waves with FC Liefering and Red Bull Salzburg. With a record of seven wins, four draws and seven losses for the season so far, Sucic has been imperative in Sociedad’s rise to seventh in La Liga campaign – with a goal and an assist to his name from 14 games played.
And while the youngster may not be as well known as his team-mate Martin Zubimendi – who Liverpool endlessly tried to sign over the summer before ultimately failing to pry him away from Spain – United have reportedly shown an interest in the midfield maestro, a development which has flattered Sucic.
Speaking about the revelation to Sportske Novosti, he explained: “I was told of such a possibility that appeared in public. I read about it myself later. No one called me from England. I’m contracted to Real Sociedad, where I feel good, nice, where I fit in perfectly. Did the clubs talk? I don’t know, and I’m not bothered by this topic. There have been stories like this before, and there will be again.”
He added: “United are a global giant, a respected giant in the world of football. Of course, I like my name associated with the Red Devils, but I’m keeping my feet on the ground.” Should United hope to secure the services over Sucic in the January transfer window, it is expected that it will cost them quite the price.
The youngster is contracted to Sociedad until July 2029, and while the Spanish outfit signed him from Salzburg for £8.2million (€10m) in August, his current market value will be much steeper given the impression he has made on the club, as well as the length of his current deal.
Despite appointing new boss Ruben Amorim in November in the wake of Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, United are evidently struggling to find their footing in the Premier League. A shell of the team seen in Sir Alex Ferguson’s glory days, the Red Devils haven’t managed to clinch a league title since the 2012/13 campaign, and haven’t really looked like challenging for one since.
They currently sit 14th in the Premier League standings with six wins, four draws and nine losses to their name, winning just one of their last five matches in the top-flight As a result, Amorim may look to strengthen his squad in the January window, with the heart of midfield an area which is suffering at present.
The Portuguese mastermind has failed to get the best out of Manuel Ugarte since he arrived from PSG this summer, while Casemiro and Christian Eriksen have faced criticism from Alan Shearer due to unsuitability to Amorim’s preferred style of football. The former Newcastle United star explained: “For a start, he’s got an ageing midfield hasn’t he? He played Casemiro and [Christian] Eriksen.
“It would be nigh-on impossible for those two to do what he wants in terms of the press and the high energy, and the sprints, and the running and everything else.” Elsewhere, United have been linked with the likes of Barcelona’s Dani Olmo and Andreas Christensen, PSG’s Randal Kolo Muani, and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
United have unveiled their new adidas home kit with new front-of-shirt sponsors for the 2024/25 season – and you can get your hands on it right now.
Can United mount a title challenge? Get our FREE daily Manchester United email newsletter
