As Manchester United navigates its post-David De Gea era, the Red Devils seem divided between two primary goalkeeper targets: Inter Milan's Andre Onana and Brighton's Robert Sanchez. While budgetary constraints are a constant challenge, the club's ambition remains undeterred.
Robert Sanchez, the Spanish goalkeeper of Brighton, has reportedly emerged on United's radar as a cost-effective alternative to Onana. Since the arrival of Bart Verbruggen, Sanchez has fallen to the third-choice goalkeeper at Brighton. Manchester United, constrained by budget, eyes the potential bargain, with Brighton expected to demand around £30m for Sanchez's departure.
In contrast, United's pursuit of Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana is proving a more costly endeavor. Onana, who has enjoyed a shining season at Inter Milan, carries a price tag of €50m. The Red Devils seem eager to secure his services and are allegedly readying a final offer.
Onana's advantages, besides his on-field prowess, include a familiarity with United's boss Erik ten Hag's system from their shared Ajax Amsterdam days. This factor could prove crucial in ten Hag's strategic maneuvers at Old Trafford. However, potential competition from Saudi Arabia could complicate the deal.
While Andre Onana might be in the limelight of United's pursuit, the club has alternative options in view. Feyenoord's Justin Bijlow and Frankfurt's Kevin Trapp are among the other potential recruits. According to sources, Bijlow could be secured for £25m, a sum Feyenoord is reportedly open to accepting, as it would allow for the reinvestment in their squad.
Simultaneously, Andre Onana seems to have his sights firmly set on Manchester United. Despite a lucrative offer from Saudi club Al-Nassr, Onana has reportedly declined, favoring the opportunity to work again with ten Hag at United.
Notably, United's funds might be strained after securing Mason Mount from Chelsea for £60m, intensifying their need to navigate the goalkeeper market carefully. With an ambitious aim of solidifying the team for a title charge and alternatives ready, the Red Devils find themselves in a delicate balance of fiscal prudence and strategic ambition.
