Roland Cutinho
Man United are keen to offload goalkeeper Matej Kovar to the Czech First League this summer
According to the Sun, Manchester United are hopeful that Sparta Prague will secure a permanent deal for goalkeeper Matej Kovar as manager Erik ten Hag continues his revamp of the goalkeeping department.
The Red Devils are keen on finalising Kovar’s transfer to the Czech First League as part of their ongoing transfer plans. The 23-year-old joined Man United’s youth ranks at the age of 18.
Kovar, who spent the previous season on loan at Sparta Prague, played a significant role in their title-winning campaign.
With an impressive record of 11 clean sheets in 32 appearances, Kovar’s performances earned him the prestigious Goalkeeper of the Year award in the Czech first division.
Despite his accomplishments, it appears that the youngster may not have done enough to earn a spot on the team. United are eager to offload Kovar as they finalise a deal for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana.
The news broke on Saturday that David de Gea, who has spent 12 years at the club, will not be continuing his career with United.
Onana is expected to be the primary replacement for De Gea as the first-choice goalkeeper. Additionally, there have been suggestions that manager Ten Hag is considering a move for Zion Suzuki from Urawa Red Diamonds to provide cover in the goalkeeping department.
Hence, the decision to offload the Czech star does make sense to the United hierarchy.
With Sparta Prague potentially qualifying for the Champions League next season, the Red Devils are hopeful that they will invest some of their financial gain in securing Kovar on a permanent basis.
However, United will only allow the young keeper to leave once they have successfully acquired all their targeted goalkeeping options.
A few months ago, Kovar expressed his preference to continue his development with Sparta Prague rather than remain at Old Trafford in a secondary role. As a result, if Kovar departs, United may consider retaining Nathan Bishop for the upcoming season.
The talented goalkeeper has the potential to grow, and he has proven his worth through his impressive numbers.
Ten Hag will be keen to assess Kovar more closely, but if the player desires regular playing time and continues to progress, another loan spell may be the most favourable option for his development.
The Red Devils have limited options after De Gea‘s departure. Dean Henderson’s future is also uncertain, and Tom Heaton is not a starting XI player.
Keeping young players will be more beneficial for the club than letting them leave permanently. If United are successful in signing Suzuki, there is a chance that they can reconsider their plans.
But at this moment, it will be wise to keep hold of these young players, who have the potential to grow immensely in the future. Kovar will be happy to continue in his native country and, in turn, gain regular minutes down the line.
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United would not gain a huge margin of profit by selling the youngster permanently, but if the club decides to keep him, then there are chances that he will be worth millions in the future.
Ten Hag has some crucial decisions to make this summer.
