Manchester United plotted free transfer for mystery European goalkeeper to replace De Gea

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Manchester United reportedly planned a free transfer move for unnamed European goalkeeper in January, in an attempt to replace De Gea.

The report comes from The Telegraph, in a piece slating current United number one David de Gea. While the report doesn’t specify who, it does confirm that he is now unavailable.

“In January they looked at a European goalkeeper on a free transfer but he has since signed a new contract.”

This report has led to speculation regarding who the mystery man could be. One name seems possible and that is now Bayern Munich keeper, Yann Sommer. United had been repeatedly linked to Sommer over the winter prior his Munich move.

Sommer is a long time Swiss international, and has every quality needed in a modern goalkeeper. He would’ve made a great replacement for De Gea, and in hindsight had he joined, United may still be in Europe.

The story comes following De Gea’s shambolic performance against Sevilla, in which he was directly at fault for all three goals. Demonstrating his three primary faults in one game, building a case against him receiving a new contract.

De Gea’s time is up

De Gea has received criticism throughout this season. The reason being his lack of what can be defined as ‘modern goalkeeping’ requirements. The long serving Spaniard struggles to fulfil the wishes of Erik ten Hag, with his limited passing range. This combined with the inability to command his box and sweep, has left De Gea woefully behind other top sides number ones.

However it is not just the fundamentals that De Gea lacks. He has also became extremely error prone and also lacks footballing IQ. This is why the time has come to part ways with De Gea, so he can leave before he ruins any legacy he has at the club. For a time De Gea was among the world’s best but now he is not even in the top 15 statistically in the league, despite his clean sheet records.

Ten Hag has had to compromise his ideals substantially to accommodate his keeper, however this can’t continue. Rumours now suggest De Gea has the green light to talk to other clubs. Additionally that Ten Hag wants a modern, ball playing goalkeeper, with Porto’s Diogo Costa the fans’ pick.