David de Gea’s future at Manchester United is increasingly uncertain, with the Spaniard now into the final 12 months of his contract.
De Gea has entered his 12th season at United but after a couple of inconsistent years, there are doubts over whether United will want to commit to a new long-term agreement.
Dean Henderson, currently at Nottingham Forest, is waiting in the wings and now, Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak has been linked with a potential January move.
That’s according to The Mirror, who say that Atletico Madrid are open to parting ways with their star goalkeeper in January to not lose him on a free transfer six months later. The Spanish giants are believed to be interested in Aston Villa shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez as a potential replacement.
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As per the report, United are one of the sides monitoring the situation amid the uncertainty around that position at Old Trafford.
Oblak has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world in recent years but his influence in the Spanish capital has waned, with his club now open to replacing him.
SN’s verdict…
Oblak is three years younger than De Gea and his next contract will most likely be his final big one. United have made a habit of getting involved in these kinds of deals in the past.
There is a shortage of world-class goalkeepers in the market but United would be wise to sign a younger goalkeeper who, as De Gea did, could guard the net for the next decade.
The opportunity to sign Oblak on a free transfer may, however, be appealing to United after the high expenditure of this summer when Erik ten Hag signed six players.
Question is does he fit the specific profile of the system Erik want to play? And why do we keep signing this type of players. Why not young players with huge potential and hungry for success.