Three Goalkeepers Who Manchester United Can Sign If De Gea Leaves For Madrid
David De Gea has grown into an absolute stalwart at Manchester United. After having signed for Manchester United back in 2011 from Atletico Madrid, the journey from the early struggles in the Premier League to one of the best goalkeepers in Europe has been amazing.
The fact that the Spaniard has been United’s Player of the Year for 3 years running says how crucial he has been for the Red Devils, in their period of struggles post the Alex Ferguson Era.
However, his time at United could very well be coming to an end, if reports are to be believed. De Gea has been linked with Real Madrid for a very long time now. In fact, he came very close to joining Los Blancos in the summer of 2015, only for the move to fall through due to delay in paperwork. But the latest reports claim that he is house-hunting in Madrid and this comes after a statement issued by his United and Spain teammate Ander Herrera, that has cast a doubtful light on his future at Old Trafford.
If it so happens that De Gea decides to go down the well-travelled path from Manchester United to Real Madrid in the upcoming summer transfer window, it will be a huge loss for Jose Mourinho and his team. Here, we look at 3 possible replacements that United could line up to bring in if the Spaniard decides to move:
Gianluigi Donnarumma
The Italian teenage sensation is making waves in the Serie A with his displays for AC Milan this season and has been tipped as the successor to the legendary Gianluigi Buffon.
Donnarumma was linked with a move to United previously and we could very well watch it materialise if De Gea leaves the club. The 18-year old shot-stopper has kept 10 clean sheets in the Serie A this season from 29 appearances and has been one of the most important players for the Rossoneri in their bid to return to European football.
Man United have a good relationship with his agent, Mino Raiola, having signed two of his clients Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the previous summer. With Donnarumma’s contract set to expire in the summer of 2018, this deal has all the potential to go through if United lose their No.1.
Jan Oblak
United turned to Atletico Madrid last time to replace Edwin Van der Sar and we could see them raid the Los Rojiblancos again to replace De Gea with their goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
The Slovenian is rated as one of the best in the business across Europe and has time and again proved his worth to Atletico with some sensational displays. Oblak, in his 20 appearances in the La Liga this term, has conceded only 17 times and has kept 9 shut-outs. He also has 5 clean sheets from his 7 appearances in the UEFA Champions League, thus proving his credentials as one of the best in Europe.
With Antoine Griezmann reportedly heading out and Diego Simeone’s future also uncertain at the club, there is a good chance that United could get Oblak moving. But considering that his contract runs till 2021, he will cost them a good chunk of their transfer funds.
Jordan Pickford
Probably the cheapest option on the list, the 23-year old has been earning rave reviews for his brilliant displays with Sunderland this season. With the Black Cats heading for the drop to the Championship, he could be available in the summer.
Pickford has been one of the best players for David Moyes’ side this season alongside Jermain Defoe and has, on many occasions kept his team away from embarrassing scorelines. He may have kept just 3 clean sheets from 19 Premier League appearances this season, but the talent is there for everyone to see. A leaky and inconsistent defence in front of him has hardly helped his cause.
The Englishman has shown great potential and has proved that he can compete on the big stage. Manchester United could easily tempt him with a chance of playing regular Premier League football as relegation looms large for Sunderland. He may be the left field choice, but Pickford could turn out to be a smart investment.
