Athletic Bilbao and Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon being monitored by Manchester United at the World Cup
Manchester United are closely monitoring Athletic Bilbao and Spain star Unai Simon at the World Cup, with the goalkeeper on their transfer shortlist, according to Spanish outlet Relevo (h/t Metro).
The Red Devils are eyeing the 25-year-old to become the new number one for Erik ten Hag. For the Dutch manager’s style of play, the La Liga outfit’s shot-stopper is seen as an ideal fit.
Simon is very comfortable on the ball. That is why the La Furia Roja boss Luis Enrique prefers the 25-year-old over United’s David de Gea. Ideally, Ten Hag would also like to play out from the back. However, the 32-year-old is more comfortable with playing long and direct.
De Gea’s current contract with the Red Devils expires in the summer of 2023. The Old Trafford side are exploring replacements for the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper.
The 32-year-old signed for the Old Trafford side in 2011. Since then, the shot-stopper has been an ever-present in between the sticks for us for almost every season.
There was a point where De Gea had established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. However, the 32-year-old had a rough patch in between after the 2018 World Cup with Spain. The veteran seemed to have lost his confidence.
Thankfully, since last season, the shot-stopper has been in imperial form for United. Some of his saves have been pivotal for the Red Devils.
De Gea did show some vulnerabilities at the start of the new season under Ten Hag. However, he has bounced back since and has been brilliant. But the 32-year-old was still overlooked by Enrique for the World Cup in Qatar.
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While the veteran has been a great servant for United over the years, the club evidently need to plan for the future. Simon is a young goalkeeper who has the ability to cement his place in any team for years to come. A £35 million could bring Bilbao to the table.
