This summer promises a certain degree of transfer dealings, should the pandemic continue to ease. One position which could see much movement is in the goalkeeping department. There could be several European goalkeeper transfers this summer.
Goalkeeper Transfers: European Heavyweights On the Move
Goalkeeper Transfers Expected
A carousel of top goalkeepers have the possibilities to make a transfer this summer. With the European Championships taking place, it is a great shop window for clubs to scout prospective signings on the international stage.
Here are some of the names who could seek pastures new this summer and their likely destinations.
Gianluigi Donnarumma Commences the Goalkeeping Domino Effect
The 22-year-old defies belief. At his tender age, he has already amassed just shy of 250 matches for AC Milan. His six seasons at the San Siro has given him the platform to become Italy’s number one goalkeeper with 25 caps. Meanwhile, he has successfully replaced another Gianluigi, with the iconic Gianluigi Buffon between the sticks. Yet he is out of contract this summer with a host of clubs linked with his services.
It would be a bargain capture for someone. Football.London recently reported that Chelsea are one of several teams in the hunt for the young goalkeeper. If a vacancy at Stamford Bridge does arise due to the doubts surrounding Kepa Arrizabalaga, the London club could be a likely destination for Donnarumma to commence that particular domino effect.
Mike Maignan Could Replace Donnarumma at the San Siro
With the future of Donnarumma in the air, a possible replacement could lie in the shape of Lille goalkeeper, Mike Maignan. The 25-year-old has featured in over 175 games since breaking through to the first team in 2015. He is one of the fundamental pillars for Lille’s title challenge this season. Therefore, he would be seen as a real coup for anyone securing his signature.
One club linked is AC Milan. The Rossoneri are expecting to see their number one goalkeeper depart in the summer and have identified Maignan and a direct replacement.
Manchester United Reshuffle With Dean Henderson and David De Gea Linked With Moves Away
Twenty-four-year-old Dean Henderson has finally got his chance to shine at Manchester United playing 23 matches in all competitions this season. It is a case of now or never with not just his United career on the line, but his England credentials too. His two highly successful seasons at Sheffield United have given him the platform to become the new Old Trafford custodian for the new generation.
But, should the club stick with long-term first-choice David de Gea, Henderson will have to leave as he is a proven number one. The likes of Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Chelsea have all been linked with a move for the shot-stopper due to the player’s frustrations on game time in the past.
Meanwhile, de Gea has been Manchester United’s ever-present for a decade since signing from Atletico Madrid in 2011. After a shaky first few seasons, he has firmly established himself. He currently has surpassed 400 matches for the Red Devils.
Now at 30-years-old, the goalkeeper faces a real fight on his hands with the form of United’s young gun and England prospect Dean Henderson. His understudy has taken the gloves and performed admirably in the last third of the season.
Reports suggest de Gea could be moved on, with Juventus waiting in the wings.
Jan Oblak Set for Old Trafford Move?
An excellent all-round goalkeeper, the 28-year-old seems to have been around much longer. He has been a fundamental part of Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid side since he arrived in the capital in 2014. His 224 games have earned him multiple awards, including a Europa League and Super Cup title as well as named a four-time Zamora winner for the best goalkeeper statistics in La Liga.
The goalkeeper seems settled in the Spanish capital but transfer rumours have always swirled around the Slovenian. That potential move to Manchester United has been mooted.
Should Old Trafford management deem either their two current number one goalkeepers not the right fit for the future, then they could investigate the possibility of signing the Slovenian international.
The goalkeeper himself spoke about a potential move away. He said: “I don’t know what the future will bring, but I am sure that in any league I would play I could play well. You never know what will happen in the future.”
It would represent a great move as Oblak could test himself in the Premier League and remain in the Champions League competition too.
The various goalkeeping domino effects could soon take effect or many of these moves could happen in isolated cases this summer. A raft of changes in the goalkeeping department could be upon us.
Main Photo
