Manchester United
Premier League • England
Man Utd deliberate proven European international to fill goalkeeper vacancy, as shortlist takes shape
Manchester United have turned their attention to Yann Sommer in their pursuit of a new goalkeeper, according to reports.
After allowing Dean Henderson to leave on loan for Nottingham Forest, there is a lack of depth in the Manchester United goalkeeping department. As things stand, veteran Tom Heaton is the main support for first-choice, David De Gea.
De Gea was one of Manchester United’s better players in the 2021-22 season, but he has already come under scrutiny this term. Erik ten Hag is apparently eager to add more competition for him.
The plan has been to find someone who can slot above Heaton, but below De Gea, in the pecking order. Manchester United are also said to have increased their budget to fill this particular gap.
It has now emerged whom they might be going after. As broken by Blick reporter Andreas Boni, Manchester United have discussed the idea of signing Yann Sommer from Borussia Monchengladbach.
The Switzerland shot-stopper is into the final year of his contract with the Bundesliga club. He appears to be keeping all his options open.
Blick believe Manchester United are looking at him, though. They also refer to recent interest from Leicester City, who recently lost Kasper Schmeichel to Nice but have brought in Alex Smithies as a backup.
But it looks like Manchester United are the most likely to make a move for Sommer, who alternatively has an offer on the table for a three-year contract extension with Borussia Monchengladbach.
Yet Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Sommer is one of three goalkeepers that Manchester United are looking at. With that in mind, the 33-year-old could have something to consider.
He must weigh up how much gametime he would get ahead of the World Cup. But he is certainly a high-calibre option to compete with – and potentially even match – De Gea.
It is not clear, at this stage, how much Sommer might cost. He should be affordable, though, given his age and contract status.
Yann Sommer would be strong option if willing to compete for place
The question is – is he too good to be a backup to De Gea? Sommer has been one of the Bundesliga’s standout keepers in recent years.
Although he is now arguably past his prime, he is still a reliable option. Would he settle for a rotation role, especially with the World Cup on the horizon?
That is up to him to decide. Of course, a club like Manchester United will always have a lure for certain players, even without Champions League football on offer.
Borussia Monchengladbach don’t have any UEFA involvement on offer this season. So perhaps a move to Old Trafford would be one to consider for Sommer, who could keep De Gea very much on his toes.