Manchester United have reportedly made contact for an “incredible” Premier League goalkeeper that they view as a replacement for André Onana.
Manchester United brought in André Onana from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023 following David de Gea’s departure.
Manager Erik ten Hag, who had previously worked with Onana at Ajax, was keen to reunite with the Cameroonian shot-stopper at Old Trafford.
Onana’s first season at United was a mixed bag. While he showed reliability in the Premier League, his mistakes in the Champions League were seen by many as a major reason behind the club’s early exit.
Although the 28-year-old appeared to find some form towards the end of last season and the start of this one, familiar errors have crept back into his game. Problems such as failing to push shots away from danger remain a recurring issue.
His inconsistent performances have sparked criticism — with some branding him “useless” — and reports suggest United may already be considering potential replacements.
United looking to Premier League for Onana’s replacement
In the last few months, there have been multiple reports stating that Onana is now open to leaving the club amid Amorim’s want to sign a new goalkeeper this summer.
With this in mind, a replacement will need to be found, and according to a fresh report from Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness, contact has now been made with Brighton for 22-year-old shot-stopper Bart Verbruggen.
The Dutch international, who Brighton themselves have previously described as “incredible” following his six-save and Player of the Match performance to defeat Newcastle away from home in October 2024, has been mighty impressive this campaign.
So much so that amid Onana’s uncertain future, Amorim’s club have requested information about potentially signing him this summer from Brigthon.
However, they are not the only side interested, with AC Milan looking for a replacement for French shot-stopper Mike Maignan amid problems with his contract renewal, which currently expires in June 2026.
What is Verbruggen’s summer transfer fee?
Verbruggen signed for the South Coast club two seasons ago in a £16.3 million move from Belgian club Anderlecht and, at the time, was linked with United before they eventually chose to sign Onana from Inter to replace De Gea.
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However, the Dutchman’s impressive form in the Premier League has caught the eyes of many clubs, and it was claimed two weeks ago by The Telegraph that Bayern Munich were preparing to launch a bid to sign him as a long-term replacement for Manuel Neuer.
Within this report, it was stated that any club looking to secure Verbruggen’s services from Brigghton would have for fork out a transfer fee of around £60 million.
While United may look to replace Onana long-term, it’s unlikely that they would pay such a hefty fee for the 22-year-old due to their current constricted finances and other more pressing positions to fill, such as centre-midfield, striker, and the wide players in Amorim’s system.
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