Revealed: The world-class goalkeeper Man Utd plan to sign for free
Robin Bairner
- 15 Sept 2022 08:59 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United are ready for a change of goalkeeper next summer, according to a report, with David de Gea having failed to impress manager Erik ten Hag.
De Gea has found himself persistently questioned at Man Utd since arriving at Old Trafford in 2011, and the change of regime has once again left the Spain international’s position under question.
Out of contract in 2023, next summer appears a natural stopping off point for De Gea, who joined the club from Atletico Madrid.
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Since leaving the Spanish capital, a succession of impressive goalkeepers have succeeded him, and it is one of those men that Man Utd are aiming for next summer, according to JeunesFooteux.
Jan Oblak is the man chosen as De Gea’s replacement. The Red Devils are reportedly willing to offer Oblak a salary of €18 million () per year to entice him to Man Utd, with the Slovenian also under contract until next summer, when he will be eligible to move on a free transfer.
Possible competition, in this case, comes from PSG, who are said to not be totally convinced by the performances of Gianluigi Donnarumma, who they signed from Milan a year ago on a Bosman deal.
How likely is Oblak to Man Utd?
Oblak, who is valued at €42 million by FootballTransfers, is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but he is coming off a difficult campaign with Atletico Madrid. Certainly, it appears that at 29, he is coming to a crossroads in his career and a transfer next summer could be a logical step.
Quite how he might adapt to Ten Hag’s style, though, is questionable. While it would be unsurprising if Man Utd were looking at the former Benfica man, they will be assessing other options, too.
Indeed, given the brand of football that Man Utd’s new manager is trying to implement, a goalkeeper with a stronger reputation as a ball player might be more advisable.
