There’s a strong rumour lurking around Old Trafford and it concerns David De Gea. The Spanish goalkeeper has been linked with an Old Trafford exit, as both PSG and Real Madrid are keen to sign the former Atletico Madrid star. PSG look like massive favourites to land him, however, but only if The Red Devils are willing to sell him. That doesn’t seem likely given how important he is to the side.
However, what would happen if he decides to push for an exit? If that’s the case, then Manchester United would have to find a replacement. Sergio Romero is a good goalkeeper, but he wouldn’t be the world-class shot-stopper United would need to challenge for the title. Looking ahead, here are three potential alternatives that could be good replacements if De Gea leaves the side this summer.
Jan Oblak
Manchester United have been heavily linked with Oblak for the better part of the past two years. The 26-year-old Slovenian shot-stopper is under contract at Atletico Madrid, but has suggested he wants a change of scenery. United are not going to do anything while De Gea remains around but if the Spaniard leaves, then it would be safe to assume United would go after Los Colchoneros’ star goalkeeper.
Oblak’s qualities are well known. He has won the Trofeo Zamora – awarded to La Liga’s best goalkeeper – in each of the past four seasons while posting impressive numbers across the board. In those four campaigns, Oblak has conceded a mere 0,47, 0,72, 0,59 and 0,73 goals per game, respectively. Numbers-wise, his 2018/19 year was his “worst” after conceding 27 times in 37 matches. The problem is he will be extremely expensive, as Atletico Madrid want at least €120 million to part ways with their star goalkeeper.
Hugo Lloris
Unlike Oblak, Lloris has not given any sign that he wants to leave Tottenham. And honestly – why would he? He’s the clear-cut starter on a team that reached the UEFA Champions League final a few weeks ago. Plus, it’s not like the Spurs have a lot of depth behind him at goalkeeper, either. If Lloris leaves, then Tottenham’s best option between the posts would be … Paulo Gazzaniga. So you can pencil this one – the Spurs won’t be looking to sell the France international.
However, Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has placed him as his top alternative if De Gea leaves — and the idea makes a lot of sense. Lloris is already 32, but goalkeepers tend to peak around that age. He has at least three to four more years at a top level, and he’s also the starting goalkeeper in the reigning World Cup champions. He has what it takes to make the switch to Old Trafford. But will The Red Devils convince the Spurs to sell?
Gianluigi Buffon
Do you remember when Manchester United signed Edwin van der Sar back in 2005 and ended staying with the club until the end of the 2010-11 campaign. We shouldn’t expect Buffon to do the same thing since the Italian is already 41, and is reportedly keen to join either FC Porto or Parma. But Manchester United should at least kick the tires on the Italian’s availability.
Buffon is well past his prime, but he remains a top-notch goalkeeper. He played very well for PSG last season, and he is definitively good enough to join Manchester United. Plus, he is a free agent so he wouldn’t cost anything. The Italian would be an above-average option in case the club wants a one-year stop-gap alternative.
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