Manchester United are reportedly hunting for a new goalkeeper in the market going into the 2023-24 season. The Red Devils recently parted ways with David de Gea after 12 years. The Spanish shot-stopper’s contract came to an end on June 30, announcing his departure last week.
De Gea has played over 500 games for Manchester United. The player’s representatives had been locked in negotiations with the club since February but failed to reach an agreement with over a new deal, and the Spaniard exited the club as a free agent.
The 32-year-old shot-stopper was not included in the list of retained players released by the Red Devils last month. The list included youth striker Mateo Meija, and player-coach Tom Huddlestone, both having received fresh offers from the club.
At the moment, the Old Trafford side only have Tom Heaton and Nathan Bishop as first-team goalkeepers. Dean Henderson also seems to be edging for a move away from the club. Therefore, Manchester United are looking for fresh talent and here are some players they are targeting for the goalkeeper role ahead of the 2023-24 season:
Andre Onana
Andre Onana has enjoyed a successful season with Inter Milan. The 27-year-old featured in 41 games across all competitions and maintained 19 clean sheets. The Nerazzurri finished third in the league and reached the finals of the Champions League. They also won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana in the domestic circuit.
Chelsea looked to fight United to land the shot-stooper, with Tottenham Hotspur also reportedly interested. The Blues wanted to include Romelu Lukaku in the deal to boost their chances. However, The Evening Standard claims that they have actually pulled out of contention to sign him.
This leaves United as the clear favourites to land the Cameroonian shot-stopper. Inter Milan have already secured Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli as a replacement. The Red Devils remain in talks to reach a compromise as the Italian club are demanding a fee of around £55 million to allow the keeper to leave.
United boss Erik ten Hag has worked with Andre Onana back at Ajax. The 26-year-old fits the requirements of a keeper in the Dutchman’s system perfectly. He is one of the best in the world in terms of distribution. He is not afraid to demand the ball back from his teammates and can distribute play well.
The Cameroon international also commands his box well. The former Ajax goalkeeper is willing to leave his line to stop 1v1 opportunities and crosses into the box. And as required of any goalkeeper, he is a very reliable shot-stopper too.
Signing a keeper like Onana practically provides Manchester United with one extra man in the build-up. This would allow the Dutch manager to deploy a higher backline as per his tactics, which would also improve the team’s performance in attack.
David Raya
David Raya has been one of the most impressive goalkeepers in the Premier League over the last two seasons. The 27-year-old has kept 20 clean sheets in 62 league games for Brentford since they secured promotion two seasons ago (via fbref).
Tottenham Hotspur have been strongly linked with the Spaniard to replace Hugo Lloris. He will become a free agent next season and will be allowed to leave this campaign for a fee of £40 million, according to TalkSport. The keeper has also spoken out on his desire to leave.
Speaking to The Times, the 27-year-old shot-stopper said;
“I will always feel close to [Brentford]. Being part of the promotion to the Premier League is something I will never forget.
“I know there are rumours about me leaving. There are some options for me to go but obviously Brentford are asking for a lot of money. That could make clubs not want to buy me, it could make them look somewhere else.
“But if that’s the value they give me then it’s up to them. I have a year left on my contract and until then I’m a Brentford player, there’s nothing I can do.”
“I have ambitions to make the next step in my career. I want to try to win titles and to compete in Europe in the next couple of years.
“I’m 27 now and I feel like I’m at the point in my career when I want to make that step up. There are options out there but it’s not just my ambitions, the club also needs to let me go.”
Fabrizio Romano reported that Tottenham Hotspur have agreed terms with the player, and could progress with the transfer in the coming days. However, with the two clubs still differing over the £40 million fee, the Red Devils United could look to pounce.
David de Gea’s departure would guarantee David Raya as the club’s starting goalkeeper at Manchester United. He would also be able to compete in the Champions League, and make a case to be starting for the Spanish National Team too.
Diogo Costa
Diogo Costa has been in stellar form for FC Porto in recent seasons. Since the 2021-22 campaign, the Portuguese shot-stopper has played 75 games and maintained 34 clean sheets (via fbref). He has also broken into the starting line-up with the National Team.
The 23-year-old has been linked with Manchester United in recent transfer windows too. However, he recently signed a deal with Porto binding him down until 2027. He also addressed rumours of a transfer to United after the Taca de Portugal finals (via 90min):
“That’s the internet,”
He added:
“I love Porto, it’s the club of my life. I would give my life for it. My life is resolved with Porto. It is a happiness and an honour to play for my favourite club.
“What they say is what they say, there is nothing concrete, I have a contract until 2027 and I hope to continue, let’s see.”
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Even if the Red Devils could agree on personal terms with Costa, an actual transfer might still be very expensive. Last month, Football Insider reported that Porto would hold out for £70 million. With Manchester United looking to make multiple additions to the squad in various positions ahead of the 2023-24 season, such a fee seems infeasible for a goalkeeper.
Who should Manchester United sign to replace David de Gea? Let us know in the comments.
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