admin After 11 years, David De Gea’s days at Manchester United may be coming to an end.
After a tense debut season between posts, the Spaniard quickly emerged as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, with interest from Real Madrid continuing until the signing of Thibaut Courtois De Gea. an alliance that helped him become one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League.
De Geas won the Golden Glove award in 2022/23 but his future at United is uncertain as his contract expires. The club have the option to extend his contract for another 12 months, but the United goalkeeper’s situation is precarious at the moment and could change quickly.
The Red Devils have either opted for the resilient but error-prone De Gea, or ditched the Spaniard for a younger, more modern player with skills more in line with Eric ten Haag’s ideals. Substitute players could also be used.
Here are five goalkeepers United could sign this summer.
1. Diogo Costa
The Portuguese number one has long been admired by United and is considered one of the club’s top targets this summer.
However, Costa himself has downplayed rumors of a move to Old Trafford, saying he wants to stay at Porto, the club of his ‘life’, beyond next season.
Still, the Red Devils are reportedly keen on a move and are looking to lower Porto’s offer, estimated at around £64m.
Costa is an excellent goalkeeper, comfortably holding the ball and dominating his penalty area, keeping 16 clean sheets in the Primeira Liga last season.
2. David Raya
With only a year left on his Brentford contract, Bees told Raya he could leave the club this summer and Tottenham moved forward with a Spanish player. However, Brentford’s offer of £40m is a stumbling block at the moment.
United are also believed to be interested in Raya, who was one of the Premier League’s most successful goalkeepers in the 2022/23 season. According to FBRef, he conceded five goals less than he should have, with only Alisson (10.1 goals) and Bernd Leno (5.7 goals) saving more, making him the most saves in the division.
Raya’s combination of good saves and ball-handling skills have made him a much-needed talent for several clubs, and United are keen to sign a deal with Tottenham if Spurs continue to stall in talks. should consider breaking it.
3. Jordan Pickford
His rise to Pickford’s fame was due to his outstanding performances in major tournaments for England. He rarely makes mistakes on the Three Lions big stage.
His form at Everton has been shaky in recent years, but he had a good season with the struggling Toffees side and ultimately played a key role in their Premier League survival.
Pickford has a great passing range, but his ball skills overall are a bit overrated, but he has emerged as a target for the Red Devils this summer, and ten Haag is a definite addition to the squad in 2018. Impressed by the performance of the Englishman, who made nine saves against Old Trafford.
4. Andre Onana
Onana achieved impressive fame under Ajax manager Ten Hag. That’s when the Dutch baby-faced team came close to Lucas Moura’s incredible hat-trick in the Champions League final.
The Cameroonian goalkeeper has been called the ultimate modern day goalkeeper, playing with a unique pomp and flair despite his rather uncompromising primitive features.
A doping ban hampered his development somewhat, but the 2022/23 season was a season of resurgence for Onana, taking the post from Samir Handanovic at Inter before playing a key role in the Nerazzurri’s end-of-season breakthrough. played.
The 27-year-old has conceded the most goals (8) and saved the most (48) in the Champions League as Inter lost to Man City in the final.
5. Mike Maignan
Few thought it would be possible to sign the great Italian after Milan split from Gigi Donnarumma in what was thought to be Gigi Buffon’s second appearance.
But that’s exactly what the Rossoneri did to former Lille goalkeeper Maignan. Maignan’s excellent performances helped Milan win the Scudetto in the 2021/22 season. The Frenchman’s superior possession compared to Donnarumma added another dimension to Stefano Pioli’s side, and his remarkable consistency rarely made a mistake.
Hugo Lloris’ rise to fame after his retirement should make him number one in France. Although Maignan missed most of the 2022/23 season due to injury, he has consistently shown spectacular talent.
The 27-year-old would be the perfect heir to De Gea, but it doesn’t come cheap.
