Man Utd readying move for Prem goalkeeper in show of no confidence in De Gea, who could remain
Manchester United are reportedly ready to move for Jordan Pickford whether or not David de Gea remains at the club beyond this summer, with Erik ten Hag wanting a ‘high-calibre goalkeeper’.
De Gea has been United’s no.1 since the 2011/12 campaign. Only three players – Seamus Coleman, Lewis Dunk and Harry Kane – have been at a single Premier League club for longer in their current spell than De Gea’s almost 12 years at United.
In 545 appearances in all competitions for the Old Trafford outfit, the Spaniard has kept 190 clean sheets. While he’s been very capable for years – this season included, as he won the Premier League golden glove – mistakes have begun to seep in.
And with De Gea’s contract running out this summer, the prospect that he’ll move away and United will upgrade has been heavily talked about.
Everton man Pickford is one of the main options, and it seems he could be in line for a move. United’s intended transfer shows a lack of faith in incumbent no.1, De Gea.
Indeed, multiple outlets, including talkSPORT, report United are ready to move for Pickford ‘whether De Gea leaves or not’.
That report states manager Ten Hag wants a ‘high-calibre goalkeeper’ in between the sticks. That might suggest United no longer believe De Gea is that, or at least that he’s past his peak and will begin to dwindle.
It’s also stated Pickford could be available for £30million this summer, and that he’d ‘jump at the chance’ of moving to United and playing Champions League football.
It’ll be a kick in the teeth for De Gea if he’s usurped while still at the club. While contract negotiations are ongoing ahead of his deal ending in the coming weeks, a recent report stated he is ‘prepared to snub’ a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia to remain at Old Trafford.
While nothing is confirmed yet, if Pickford does join, he’s got a big decision to make. He could roll over and move on, knowing the starting spot is gone, or stay to fight for the place which he currently holds.
In any case, he’ll leave the club as a legendary figure after his lengthy tenure, be that this summer or beyond.
READ MORE: Man Utd flop finding suitors hard to come by as Everton drop out of race after Ten Hag snub
