Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd close in on signing of hard-to-beat goalkeeper to cause fresh De Gea doubt, as sellers settle on replacement

Yann Sommer, Czech Republic v Switzerland June 2022

Manchester United have made progress in their pursuit of Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer after missing out in the summer, according to reports.

Sommer was on Man Utd’s shortlist in the summer when they realised they would have to make some changes in goal. Dean Henderson headed off to join Nottingham Forest on loan, leaving space for an extra goalkeeper along with David De Gea.

Questions had even been asked of United’s number one, which have continued during the Erik ten Hag era because of his playing style.

Therefore, Man Utd have still been tipped to shake up their goalkeeping department further in 2023. In that regard, a deal for Sommer could be coming back into focus.

Rather than sign him, they ended up having to go for Martin Dubravka on loan from Newcastle instead. Sommer supposedly wasn’t sure about competing as a rotation option with De Gea.

However, De Gea will be out of contract at the end of the season, so is facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford. There is also a genuine possibility that Dubravka’s Man Utd career will only last for one season.

With that in mind, Sommer is back on the club’s radar – according to Bild – and that might now be as a new number one.

Hence, Bild has reported that the Switzerland international is now close to joining Man Utd.

Out of contract himself in 2023, a deal would not cost much at all if it was to take place in January. Alternatively, Man Utd could sign Sommer for free in the summer.

He might not be a long-term solution, since he will turn 34 this month. But he remains a reliable operator and hard to beat.

This season, he has only conceded 14 goals from 11 appearances between the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal. Across his whole spell with Borussia Monchengladbach, he has made 335 appearances and conceded 459 goals, keeping 90 clean sheets along the way.

However, the Bundesliga side have now decided to put their faith in academy graduate Jan Olschowsky as his successor.

Therefore, they are now open to cashing in on Sommer, who could end up in Manchester next month if all goes to plan.

Revival of Yann Sommer links surprising

Man Utd fans might be wondering if Sommer will be their long-term answer. His pedigree is good, but replacing De Gea with an older goalkeeper probably hasn’t been their priority.

However, as shown by his summer stance, Sommer feels capable of making an impact as a starter.

Therefore, he would have to back up his own confidence if he was to become Man Utd’s first choice. Alternatively, as he prepares to turn 34, he might have to start realising he won’t be a first-choice option for much longer.

Still, he has enough in the tank to help Man Utd if no other options are available. That said, it is somewhat surprising to see him back on their radar.

If he does sign on the dotted line, Man Utd fans should keep an open mind and let him get to work.

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