Pranav Nair
Manchester United keeping tabs on Atletico Madrid Jan Oblak
According to Sky Sports, Manchester United are keeping tabs on Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak heading into the summer transfer window.
The Slovakian international replaced the impressive Thibaut Courtois at Altetico and has since developed into one of the best in world football. He has since made 289 appearances for the Spaniards, keeping 153 clean sheets. (h/t Transfermarkt)
United have been tracking Oblak for more than a year and the recruitment staff at Old Trafford are busily compiling their reports on the 28-year-old.
The upcoming summer could be a season of change in the United goalkeeping department. David de Gea’s future is uncertain while Sergio Romero is set to leave the club.
Reserve keepers Joel Pereira, Paul Woolston and veteran Lee Grant are also set to leave in a massive cull of the shot-stopping department. Although we will still have Dean Henderson, bringing in Oblak would add yet another world-class player to our squad.
De Gea, a former Atletico star himself, could be set to return to Spain after 10 successful years at Old Trafford. Having just had a child, the move will bring him closer to his wife, who works as a television presenter in Madrid.
Time for Henderson to shine
Henderson has admittedly shown enough promise to suggest he could have a future at the club. Skipper Harry Maguire also endorsed the player for just that earlier this month.
United remain intent to bring in another goalkeeper if De Gea moves on. Such a decision could see Henderson once again put in a catchy situation.
A major obstacle in United’s Oblak pursuit is his massive £103m release clause. Given that the club is still recovering from the financial aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, it might prove to be a bridge too far.
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The Slovakian is not the only player on United’s radar. The Red Devils are also linked with AC Milan ace Gianluigi Donnarumma and Lille star Mike Maignan. Both are economical options compared to Oblak.
