Manchester United could end up being forced into a decision this summer the club does not necessarily want to make.
With striker, midfielder, centre-back and another wing-back all positions of need for Manchester United in the summer transfer window, the financially crippled club could probably do without having to spend money on a goalkeeper too.
Yet this could become a necessity, perhaps at the expense of other positions, due to Andre Onana’s downturn in form.
It has emerged Manchester United are eyeing Spanish goalkeeper Joan Garcia, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
Joan Garcia has Iker Casillas comparison
Joan Garcia was part of the Spain squad that won the gold medal at the 2024 Olympics, and has a growing reputation that could make his £24.7 million release clause a bargain.
Even if goalkeeper is not the position United ideally want to spend on, if the club are totally convinced about his credentials, and want to move on from Onana, then the price could be a swaying factor, a long-term solution for a snip in modern football terms.
Garcia, 23, could follow in the footsteps of former Spain number one David de Gea, one of Manchester United’s best ever goalkeepers.
It is another Spanish star, however, that Garcia has been compared to, former Real Madrid star Iker Casillas, with a little bit extra.
“It’s hard for me to find someone who stops that much,” former Barcelona keeper Oier Olazabal told Relevo.
“He is very complete. Football requires you to be good at everything. He has the reflexes of Casillas and the aerial game of an English or Premier League goalkeeper.”
Joan Garcia snubbed Arsenal
Former Real Madrid back-up goalkeeper Kiko Casilla told AS last year that he was pleased Joan Garcia chose to re-commit to Espanyol amid interest from Arsenal.
“I think he did very well staying at Espanyol. Arsenal can sign you, you might even play, but at the slightest doubt they will take you off and put another goalkeeper in, like they did with Ramsdale.
“They spent almost 30 million to be important, then they brought Raya in, he took a backseat and he had to leave.”
“Joan is young, perhaps he doesn’t have enough experience yet and it will be very good for him to be Espanyol’s goalkeeper for as long as he decides. Because if he has received an offer like that with the games he has played… surely within a year or two he will receive offers that are equal or better.”
A better offer could be around the corner, with Manchester United now showing interest. There is a real opportunity at Old Trafford, with Ruben Amorim looking to rebuild, and despite the team’s disappointing form, the Red Devils are an attractive club like no other.
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