Marko Arnautovic was reportedly extremely close to joining Manchester United in 2022, but according to his agent was not allowed to leave for the Red Devils.
Arnautovic, now 36, was about to move to Old Trafford that year, but never left Bologna, for whom he played at the time.
The Austrian had enjoyed earlier fertile spells in both Stoke City and West Ham United, making it no stranger to English football.
Few, however, had expected that such a large club would come and call him at the time, since he moved from West Ham to the Chinese side Shanghai SIPG in 2019.
After two years in China, he returned to Europe after signing a deal with Serie -Outfit Bologna – and caught the attention of United just a year later.
Arnautovic had emerged as a shock goal for United when Erik ten Hag wanted to strengthen his attack.
United saw Arnautovic as a cut-prize option, but decided not to meet the requirements of Bologna for the Striker of Austria after rejecting a first bid of £ 7.5 million.
His brother, who acts as his agent, has now revealed that Bologna would not allow him to leave, according to football Italia.
He said: “At that time I had several offers for him. Marko was very, very close to the accession to Manchester United.
“We had reached an agreement, but Bologna did not want him to leave at that time.”
While he chose to stay in Bologna, Arnautovic then joined their Series A -Rivalen in 2023.
He initially spent a season on loan before he made his move permanent and played his role in their run to the final of the Champions League of this season.
However, the Austrian is now without a club and is a free agent with the 2025-26 season from a matter of weeks.
The former Premier League -wing player hopes to find a new club prior to the World Cup of the following summer, in which he will probably appear as Austria.
The team has two victories of two in their world cup qualifying group and are on their way to make the tournament under the supervision of former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick.