The €50m 'outstanding' goalkeeper Man United must make a priority target if Man City win Diogo Costa race
Man City are reportedly in talks with Costa over a move as they look to replace Ederson
Man United are keen to sign a goalkeeper this summer as they look to replace Andre Onana, who has been mistake-prone and below-par this season for the Red Devils, especially in the past few months.
There has been interest in the Saudi Pro League to sign Onana, but if United do sell him, they will need to find a replacement as Altay Bayindir isn’t at the level yet where he can be United’s first choice.
One keeper they’ve been linked with is Porto’s Diogo Costa, however, Man City are now reportedly in talks with Costa as a long-term replacement for Ederson. Seeing as they can offer instant success and Champions League football, the Portuguese keeper may decide to move to the Etihad.
If that is the case, United will need to draw up a list of alternatives that they could target, with one name potentially available for what would be a superb signing for Ruben Amorim.
Manchester United should go after Gregor Kobel
Borussia Dortmund have had an underwhelming season this year, despite the fact that they have one of the best keepers in Europe at the back. Gregor Kobel has attracted Premier League interest, with Chelsea heavily linked, but Man United should be looking at the Swiss international.
The 27-year-old has made 44 appearances for Dortmund this season, conceding 65 goals and keeping 10 clean sheets. He also boasts 11 caps for the Swiss national team. According to previous reports by Caught Offside, Dortmund have set a €50m (£43m) price tag on Kobel this summer - cheaper than Costa would be.
Chelsea have been touted to sign the Swiss keeper, but United could decide to move for him, especially if Dortmund fail to land Champions League football and United do via winning the Europa League.
Kobel signed for Dortmund in 2021, when Marco Rose was the manager at Dortmund. Rose was a huge fan of the keeper, describing him as: “An outstanding goalkeeper with great potential. His calmness and ability to read the game are impressive for his age.”
Who else could United target?
If the Red Devils are looking for a cheaper option, they could go after Southampton keeper Aaron Ramsdale, who shouldn’t cost much after the Saints’ relegation to the Championship. However, there is a doubt over whether Ramsdale will be able to deliver for a big club such as United after he fell out of favour at Arsenal with David Raya beating him to the number one spot under Mikel Arteta.
United have also been linked to Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen, but he also has a lack of big game experience despite being the Netherlands’ number one keeper at the age of just 22 years old. Verbruggen has kept six clean sheets for the Seagulls this season after making 33 appearances in all competitions for Fabian Hurzeler’s side.