Transfer News: Gianluigi Donnarumma reaches an agreement to join Manchester United
According to Todo Fichajes via AS, Manchester United have agreed on a provisional deal to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma in the summer.
The AC Milan custodian is one of the best young goalkeepers in the world. He has been in goal for the Rossoneri since the age of 16 and has already amassed 233 appearances, keeping 82 clean sheets. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Currently in the final few months of his contract, Donnarumma could potentially leave Milan on a free transfer in the summer. The Italians have offered the player a five-year deal but his agent Mino Raiola is looking to whittle it down to just two.
With both parties yet to reach an agreement, there is an opportunity for other clubs to make their move. According to the report, United look set to make Donnarumma the best-paid goalkeeper in world football.
Interestingly, current Manchester United No.1 David de Gea holds the record for being the highest-paid player in his position. The 30-year-old nets a whopping $23million annually.
Statistically, Donnarumma holds a very slight edge over De Gea when it comes to keeping clean sheets. The youngster averages 0.352 clean sheets as opposed to De Gea’s 0.351. The Italian is also a much more agile player and offers greater reach owing to his height.
Donnarumma’s reputation in the game is in stark contrast to his age. He was forced into the Milan squad at a young age and has never surrendered that spot since.
No escape!
His potential arrival at United could very well spell the end of De Gea’s time at the club. Moreover, it will rekindle a sense of deja vu in Dean Henderson.
The youngster is keen to take over as the starter at Old Trafford, a task that could prove impossible if Donnarumma is signed. Despite Henderson’s prowess and seniority, the Italian is much more experienced and is further forward in his development than his United counterpart.
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It would be fair to say that signing Donnarumma would effectively end both De Gea and Henderson’s prospects at the club. After all, one does not pay a player a ‘world-record wage’ just to grace the bench.
Such a deal will also see United get in touch with their nemesis Minao Raiola. The superagent is a pain to deal with and has already caused trouble regarding Paul Pogba this season. (h/t Sky Sports)
While Donnarumma would clearly be an excellent addition, his signing could set off a domino effect that would make for interesting viewing. However, it will, one way or another, settle our goalkeeping conundrum.
