Manchester United have an opportunity to move for David Raya as a replacement for David de Gea.
David de Gea‘s contract extension at Manchester United appears a formality, with The Telegraph reporting a deal is agreed.
The far lower salary leaves it open for Manchester United to recruit a new number one, and the same report notes Brentford are already negotiating to sign a replacement for David Raya.
David Raya’s contract expires at Brentford in 2024, and The Telegraph has reported United’s interest in the goalkeeper.
David Raya upgrade on David de Gea
Former Manchester United star Gary Neville has previously backed Raya, telling the Overlap in March: “I think he could step up. I think Raya would interest United.”
Raya would be an upgrade on David de Gea in three areas, in addition to simply being five years younger.
SAVES: David Raya ranks number one in the Premier League for saves made this season. He totals 142 saves, to David de Gea’s 90.
Raya’s save percentage is at 76.5 per cent of shots faced. De Gea is at 70 per cent.
PASSING: Raya is also top of the Premier League for ‘progressive passing distance’ this season. His passes have accrued a total of 24,882 yards. De Gea is down on 14,753 yards.
CLAIMS: Another area where Raya excels is claiming crosses. He has prevented 8.5 per cent of high crosses into the box per game, while De Gea’s numbers are just 3.3 per cent, ranking among the bottom nine per cent of goalkeepers in Europe’s top five leagues, per FBRef.
A sensible move for Manchester United
Manchester United will struggled to make a shrewder move than a swoop for David Raya this summer.
The Spaniard is proven in the Premier League, and can be bought for a knock-down price due to his expiring contract.
Raya is an upgrade on De Gea in all facets of the game and can benefit the entire team thanks to his superior passing ability.
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