Thomas Strakosha: Who is goalkeeper linked with free transfer to Man Utd?

Manchester United have begun rebuilding their squad under Erik ten Hag with the signing of Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord on Tuesday.

The Red Devils saw several first team players depart at the end of their contracts, leading to what is expected to be a huge transfer window for the club.

Another name who has left Old Trafford is Dean Henderson. The shot-stopper, who was second-choice to David de Gea last campaign, joined Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan at the beginning of the month.

The 25-year-old’s departure leaves the Red Devils with De Gea and Tom Heaton as their only two senior goalkeepers.

However, this could soon change with Ten Hag ‘closing in’ on Thomas Strakosha on a free transfer, according to numerous reports.

The 27-year-old is currently without a club after his contract at Lazio expired at the end of June.

Who is Strakosha?

Born in Athens on 19 March 1995, Strakosha is an Albanian international with 19 caps to his name. He followed in his father’s (Foto Strakosha) footsteps by representing the latter mentioned country.

The 27-year-old has spent the majority of his senior career with Lazio, coming through their youth ranks, and made his debut for their first team during the 2016-17 campaign.

Last season’s form

According to WhoScored.com, Strakosha averaged a rating of 6.55 for Lazio in Serie A last season, just 0.09 lower than De Gea.

However, the Albanian had a higher pass success percentage (81.1) than United’s no.1 (68.9) and also won more aerial battles (0.3) than De Gea (0.2).

How likely is the deal to go ahead?

If reports from 90min are to be believed, then a deal to bring Strakosha to Old Trafford is ‘all but in place’ for the 27-year-old to become Ten Hag’s latest signing at United.