Fabrizio Romano reports that Dean Henderson could officially leave Manchester United today as Premier League rivals Crystal Palace seal a £15 million deal for the England international goalkeeper.
Better late than never, as they say.
Manchester United have spent the best part of the summer trying and ultimately failing to move on a series of fringe players – turns out selling players on colossal contracts is easier said than done, who would have though it? – but at least Dean Henderson’s belated departure will add some much-needed funds to Erik ten Hag’s cobweb-filled wallet.
Dean Henderson leaving Manchester United
According to Fabrizio Romano, Crystal Palace will pay £15 million up front. The deal could rise to £20 million with add-ons. Confirmation could arrive before the close of play today.
“Crystal Palace are expected to unveil Dean Henderson as a new signing today after medical completed,” Romano writes on Twitter. “Manchester United to receive £15 million plus £5 million in add-ons.
“Altay Bayindir, in Manchester, set to sign and become his replacement.
While some United fans will point out the irony of Henderson – an established Premier League goalkeeper and an England international to boot – leaving Old Trafford for less than neighbours City made via the sale of James Trafford to Burnley. Trafford moved to Turf Moor for £19 million after spending last season on loan at third-tier Bolton Wanderers.
A vital windfall
But, still, a £15 million influx could be crucial to Ten Hag’s hopes of bringing in further additions.
Sofyan Amrabat has been waiting by the phone for weeks, out of the Fiorentina squad and desperate to seal his switch to Old Trafford. Henderson’s departure could be the key to unlocking that long-awaited Amrabat deal, though the Moroccan is far from the only midfield target in Ten Hag’s sights.
Bayindir, meanwhile, has undergone his own medical tests this week. The 6ft 6ins Fenerbahce stopper will replace Henderson as Ten Hag’s number two.