David de Gea’s turbulent season continued with a costly mistake against West Ham that has put Manchester United’s top-four bid – and possibly his own future – at risk.
The Spanish goalkeeper backtracked and got a weak hand to a Said Benrahma shot from outside the box as United were beaten 1-0 at the London Stadium.
Erik ten Hag backed his No 1 after the final whistle, pointing out that no Premier League goalkeeper has kept more clean sheets this season, but there is a growing group of critics who believe De Gea is holding United back.
The 32-year-old’s contract expires this summer and, given he is one of the Premier League’s highest earners on £375,000 per week, United may decide to invest in a younger model once their takeover is complete.
Here are five goalkeepers who could replace De Gea this summer:
David Raya
With his contract set to expire in June 2024, David Raya may be one of the cheaper options on the list.
Thomas Frank’s opinion differs. “He must be at least £40m plus. If he had three years it would be £70m,” the Brentford manager said in February.
Raya himself appears to have his eyes on a move, revealing earlier this year that he rejected renewal offers because he does not “think it’s the right time to sign a new contract”.
Diogo Costa
Being the youngest shot stopper in the United rumour mill at 23 years of age, Diogo Costa could lock down the No 1 role for the next decade.
He earned his first cap for Portugal in 2021 and later led his country to the Qatar World Cup where they progressed to a quarter-final against Morocco.
But being young and experienced in today’s market means Costa will come at an expensive price. Porto hold the upper hand Costa’s contract not due to expire until 2027 and are likely to demand that his €75m (£65m) release clause is met if an offer is to be accepted.
Robert Sanchez
As Brighton charge ahead in hope of securing European football two goalkeepers are battling it out for their starting spot.
Robert Sanchez seemed to be a guaranteed No 1 earlier this season but Roberto De Zerbi has recently opted for Jason Steele in the last three matches.
The 25-year-old Sanchez has two years left on his contract, but the promise of first-team minutes at a possible Champions League club may be an offer too good to refuse.
Mike Maignan
France’s new No 1 may be the hardest deal to complete for United.
It would be a fair argument to name Mike Maignan as the best keeper in Europe after his displays for the Champions League semi-finalists AC Milan this season.
With a Scudetto in his trophy cabinet alongside a possible European crown and a contract valid until June 2026, Milan will want an extortionate fee for one of the most integral members of their squad.
Dean Henderson
The United loanee has endured an unlucky time at Nottingham Forest. Initially impressing as a shot-stopper and penalty hero, Henderson’s season was derailed by a hamstring injury.
Henderson revealed that he refused to meet with Ten Hag before his departure to Forest but it may to time to rebuild his relationship with the Dutchman if he wants first-team action next season.
Forest signed former PSG keeper Keylor Navas during the January transfer window as competition for a starting place once Henderson returned from injury.
But the England stopper has been unable to recover and is now set to undergo surgery that will rule him out for the rest of the season and unable to prove his worth to either club.
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