Manchester United look set to sign not one but two goalkeepers this summer, with Japan’s Zion Suzuki reportedly close to signing.
The goalkeeping situation at Old Trafford seems to be finally having the complete shake-up it has long been crying out for.
David de Gea’s contract expired over a week ago and despite noises around potential face-to-face talks, it seems more unlikely by the day.
Dean Henderson has returned from Nottingham Forest but seems set to be sold permanently for quite a substantial fee.
While Tom Heaton isn’t of the quality to be anything more than third choice for Erik ten Hag.
So it could be the case that an entirely new goalkeeping department will be created. In terms of a number one, that question seems answered already with Andre Onana very close to joining.
So close that Fabrizio Romano has insisted that a move is imminent for the Cameroonian goalkeeper.
That leaves the number two spot available and needing filled, with there being three options in our eyes.
Ten Hag shouldn’t overlook what he already has
So Romano has also confirmed United are keen on 20-year-old Suzuki who currently plays for Urawa.
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Suzuki is a terrific ball-playing goalkeeper similar to Onana in that regard. He is composed on the ball and can pick out a pass at short range or can play it long.
Where Suzuki struggles is in his handling, regularly failing to keep hold of the ball following a save, this is something that can be coached and taught with Onana to learn from.
However there are two members of the United squad who will be feeling like they should be getting the chance opposed to a new signing being made. They go by the names of Matej Kovar and Radek Vitek.
Kovar spent last season on loan at Sparta Prague and helped them win the Fortuna Liga. He kept 11 clean sheets in 32 games and denied multiple clear cut chances.
As a keeper, he does everything you’d expect of a modern goalkeeper. He sweeps, plays out from the back and claims high crosses. He arguably would already be a better option in Ten Hag’s system than De Gea ever was.
However at 23-years-old, Kovar is likely too far along to ever get to the levels required at a top club like United. Kovar’s teammate however could be just the man, at 19-years-old, Vitek could be an option should United call on him.
Vitek was part of the United side who lifted the FA Youth Cup in 2022, in which he played six games and kept one clean sheet.
While a solid option and capable of an immaculate save every so often, Vitek isn’t the profile of goalkeeper that Ten Hag is looking for unfortunately. He remains limited with his feet and mirrors more of a De Gea style of play.
The Verdict
So while Ten Hag has made it clear being the number two at United means next to nothing with his first choice likely to play 95% of the games, It seems like a Suzuki signing would change that.
It does seem like Suzuki is a likely move, however if you cast your eyes in the medium distant future, Ten Hag could also consider Elyh Harrison who is just 17.
But if a decision has to be made now, Suzuki needs to be signed.