Ten Hag plan revealed as Man Utd accelerate talks with 2023 signing who’d oust loudmouth and disrupt top four rival
TEAMtalk has learned Man Utd intend to sign an ultra-reliable Switzerland star in 2023 who’ll force a current star out and will bring a deal involving Newcastle to a premature end.
Manchester United are expected to address two specific areas of their squad next month – right-back and centre-forward. Ten Hag wants an attacking upgrade on Aaron Wan-Bissaka to compete with Diogo Dalot. In the forward line, Cristiano Ronaldo must be replaced.
However, today’s update regards the goalkeeping department – a position due for a significant overhaul next year.
United’s current No 1 is modern-day club icon David de Gea. His back-ups are Newcastle loanee Martin Dubravka and Tom Heaton. Dean Henderson, meanwhile, was loaned out to Nottingham Forest.
Ten Hag does not lack for options, though it’s becoming increasingly apparent none are fully to his liking.
The Dutchman is known to want a more mobile keeper who is also better with his feet. Ten Hag wants Man Utd to dominate possession which requires his stopper to adopt a higher starting position as well as be comfortable on the ball.
That’s led to rampant speculation De Gea could be moved on next summer. If he is, FC Porto’s Diogo Costa remains firmly in United’s sights despite his World Cup horror show.
Regardless, TEAMtalk has now learned the changes in United’s goalkeeping department are set to run even deeper.
Yann Sommer talks confirmed; Ten Hag plan revealed
Sky Germany recently reported United were in talks with Borussia Monchengladbach’s Yann Sommer. The 33-year-old Swiss veteran is a dependable performer and is being eyed up for a move in 2023.
Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, told us talks are indeed underway, though United would prefer not to pay a fee.
Sommer is out of contract in the summer, meaning he can sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs come January 1. That approach could be taken, unless United can convince Monchengladbach to sell for a nominal fee in January, of course.
If Sommer does arrive, Bailey stated Ten Hag will slot him in as a high class number two. That means Dean Henderson – who laid waste to Man Utd upon leaving for Forest on loan – won’t feature in the club’s plans moving forward.
It’ll also mean Newcastle loanee Dubravka will be returned to the north east six months early if United can land Sommer in January.
Will De Gea survive the overhaul?
“Manchester United are looking to revamp their goalkeeping department and Yann Sommer is a player they have liked for a long time,” said Bailey.
“They are talking to him about him coming in as a free and his arrival will mean Martin Dubravka heading back to Newcastle.
“I am told they think he can provide high class competition but will be a number two, but the big question is to who?
“Erik Ten Hag likes David De Gea, no doubting that – it is just whether he is the long-term number one or is he just going to stay until they find their future number one.
“I know United want their relationship with De Gea, a club legend, to end well whenever that might be, be it this summer or in another few years.”
ESPN reported that while Sommer hasn’t yet given the green light to United, he is expected to do so when the time comes.
The 80-cap Switzerland star has been a safe pair of hands throughout his career and would instantly become one of the finest back-ups in the Premier League. Indeed, he’s certainly of the standard required to be a starter for most clubs.
United will certainly be in safe hands with Sommer if their front-line stopper – be it De Gea or another new signing – goes down with injury.
