HomeOpinion/FeaturesFive potential David De Gea replacements at Manchester United

Five potential David De Gea replacements at Manchester United

David De Gea’s Manchester Unitedย future looks uncertain, with the Spaniard entering the final year of his contract as talks stall on anย extension.

Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with a move for the 28-year-old, who could depart after eight years at Old Trafford.

Here are five potential De Gea replacements at Manchester United

Jan Oblak

The ideal candidate, the Slovenian has established himself as one of the world’s very finest during five years at Atletico Madrid.

Commanding, agile and blessed with lightning reflexes, the 26-year-old would represent an elite replacement for the outgoing De Gea.

Diego Simeone’s side will undergo a summer of transition with several first-team stars set to leave the Spanish capital, including the likes of Diego Godin and Antoine Griezmann.

Oblak will want assurances that the club’s ambitions match his own in order to stay or the goalkeeper could also seek an exit, though United’s absence from the Champions League may hinder their hopes.

Atletico are in a strong position however with Oblak having only recently signed a new contract at the club, with United likely to have to pay a world-record fee to secure his services, with his release clause recently upped to โ‚ฌ120 million.

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Keylor Navas

Having almost moved to Old Trafford in part-exchange for De Gea in 2015, Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas could be a viable option for United this summer.

The Costa Rica international has been deemed surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu, having lost his place as the club’s number one to Thibaut Courtois.

At 32, Navas may prove a shorter-term option, though the goalkeeper has experience at the highest level having won three consecutive Champions League titles with the club between 2016 and 2018.

Capped 86-times for his country, Navas would represent and realistic and attainable target.

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Gianluigi Donnarumma

Having broken through at AC Milan as a 16-year-old, it’s hard to remember that Donnarumma is still just 20-years-old.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is believed to be interested in signing young players with potential to develop this summer and the Italian would certainly match that profile, having been labelled the heir to Gianluigi Buffon following his breakthrough.

Milan are also under pressure to sell to balance their finances, which could see a transfer for Donnarumma make sense for both teams.

The youngster would command a significant fee, but with goalkeepers not maturing fully until their later years he would represent a long-term replacement.

A talented goalkeeper with room to develop into one of the world’s finest, his signing could prove a smart one for United this summer, although it would mean once again getting into bed with the slipperiest of super agents, Mino Raiola.

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Jasper Cillessen

Previously linked with a move to United, Barcelona goalkeeper Cillessen could be the man to replace De Gea at Old Trafford this summer.

The Dutchman has failed to dislodge Marc-Andre her Stegen as the Spanish giants number one, though has been a dependable performer whenever called upon.

Having grown frustrated with his back-up role, the 30-year-old could now be set for an exit and would bring maturity to a United back line which struggled last season.

Calm and experienced, he has remained number one for the Netherlands despite his lack of club action and his ability to play out from the back could appeal to Solskjaer.

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Jack Butland

Somewhat of a forgotten man after staying with Stoke following their relegation from the Premier League, England international Butland remains a talented goalkeeper.

Stoke’s poor season will see Butland look to leave the club to resurrect his England hopes, and he would provide a home-grown, Premier League experienced option for Solskjaer’s side.

Butland’s signing is not one likely to stir the imagination of a United faithful accustomed to seeing their side compete at the top end of the division, however he could prove a sensible addition.

Still just 26, Butland has room to develop and would be a realistic target for a side unable to offer Champions League football.

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