Newcastle United reportedly want to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson as their number one for next season, despite Martin Dubravka impressing in the second half of the campaign.
According to The Sun, Henderson is only keen on a season-long loan move to St James’ Park because he still believes he will one day become no 1 ahead of David de Gea at Old Trafford.
This is music to our ears because a lot of United fans remain undecided over whether he is good enough to be first choice, but De Gea’s form picked up this season which made it difficult to give Henderson more minutes.
Earlier this week, Stretty News ran a report stating that a deal with Newcastle was not close, despite reports. United have yet to hear from Newcastle but Neil Curtis believes that is about to change, with the Magpies set to offer Karl Darlow as part of the deal.
This news comes after Lee Grant announced his retirement from football.
It’s a shame because it will go down as a wasted year for Henderson in terms of development, after playing second fiddle to De Gea, making just three first team appearances.
Henderson doesn’t want to be sat on the bench for another campaign.
SN’s verdict
The only problem I have with this is that I hate the idea of doing business with Saudi backed Newcastle United.
Sending Henderson on loan to St James’ Park will only help Eddie Howe strengthen his squad ahead of next season, but maybe we should be looking at the bigger picture with the shot-stopper’s development.
He was one of the best keepers in the top-flight during his time at Sheffield United. There’s no reason why he can’t replicate that form again at another Premier League club.
De Gea is the common denominator in a decade of shambolic defending.
He’s a fabulous shot stopper, but let’s face it, theres a reason he can’t get into the Spain squad.
His command of his area is terrible, he rarely comes off his line and is part of the reason every defender we’ve signed in the last 10 years has got worse after joining.
I remember listening to a couple of pundits discussing Shay Given once, one remarked how Given was underrated because he’d always played behind terrible defences. The other pointed out that this wasn’t a coincidence.
I like your reasoning Mike C.but unfortunately many dont seem to see it that way.
Sending Henderson on loan is a brilliant idea.they shouldn’t rush into selling just as they shouldn’t rush extending De Gea’s contract as has bn reported.Henderson has many good modern goalkeeping attributes De Gea glaringly lacks & he is young & can even get better with time.