David De Gea faces another important decision this summer as interest from Real Madrid refuses to go away. Marca reported last week that the Spanish giants are determined to sign the goalkeeper and that he has already asked Manchester United to let him leave at the end of the season. A more recent report by ESPN states that the Spanish international won’t force a move, but it is clear that a transfer away from Old Trafford is a real possibility. During the summer of 2015, De Gea came close to joining Madrid and Los Blancos have retained a firm interest over the last two years. If the stopper does leave over the coming months, United will have to bring in a replacement. Here are three goalkeepers they should consider:
Gianluigi Donnarumma
The AC Milan goalkeeper has emerged as a household name over the last 12 months and he is already one of the best shot-stoppers in the world at the age of 18. Over the course of this season, he has made some spectacular saves for Milan averaging 3.22 per goal, with many coming in the dying minutes to earn points for his side. His concentration levels are remarkable for a teenager and he is often one step ahead of attackers, as shown by his impressive record of saving penalties. He was the star as the Rossoneri won a penalty shootout to beat Juventus to the Supercoppa. The one doubt about his game is his distribution as he can be sloppy at times, but he has improved that this season and has a distribution accuracy of 77%. He is the best young goalkeeper in the world and has the potential to be even better than De Gea. He should be the priority target if United are in the market for a goalkeeper and given the club’s good relationship with Mino Raiola, it is a deal that could be done.
Jordan Pickford
This would be a risky choice and maybe he wouldn’t be good enough to come in as first choice straight away, but given Sunderland’s relegation, it would be a great move to bring Jordan Pickford to Old Trafford. It can be difficult to judge goalkeepers playing at the bottom of the table as they have a lot to do in every game, therefore it is easy to make saves and look good. However, at the age of 23, he has already established himself as a Premier League goalkeeper and has the potential to push on to play at a higher level. He has been Sunderland’s best player this season, averaging 2.24 saves per goal. It may be too soon for him to be a number one at a top six club, but as an English goalkeeper, he would be a good signing for United and improve their homegrown quota. If De Gea doesn’t leave this summer, the club should bring in Pickford as a long term replacement.
Timo Horn
Germany have several good goalkeepers and Timo Horn is one that doesn’t receive the credit he deserves. He is a huge talent and has already established himself as one of the best in the Bundesliga. At 6’4″, he has the frame to succeed in English football and his command of his area would benefit Manchester United. He is very aggressive in the air and always looks to relieve pressure on his defence where possible. This season, he has averaged 2.12 saves per goal and has a distribution accuracy of 64%. He remains a work in progress, but it could be the right time for him to leave FC Koln at the age of 23. Like the other two, he is a good shot stopper and he would probably be available for a fair price.
