Manchester United is actively seeking a new first-choice goalkeeper, and recent reports indicate that Brighton’s Robert Sanchez has emerged as a transfer target to fill the spot as a backup keeper.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the possibility of the Onana deal is still open as Manchester United made a final bid for the Cameroon international. Manchester United is eager to complete the signing and is demonstrating a sense of urgency to make him the first-choice goalkeeper.
Understand Manchester United have presented in the morning their verbal proposal for André Onana: £39m total package — add ons included. The bid will be official soon 🚨🔴 #MUFC
Inter expect €60m fee for Onana, add ons included. No agreement at this stage.
With Inter Milan’s Andre Onana deemed too expensive at an asking price of £60 million, United is exploring more cost-effective alternatives to strengthen its remaining goalkeeping department.
According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United is considering a move to sign Robert Sanchez, who’s viewed as a more affordable alternative to Inter Milans’ Andre Onana.
The Brighton goalkeeper would cost around £30 million and is achievable due to his decreased playing time under manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Manchester United’s pursuit of a first-choice goalkeeper stems from the uncertainty surrounding the future of veteran shot-stopper David de Gea.
🚨United are set to wait for clarification on David de Gea's future before making a decision on which goalkeeper to pursue this summer. If he signs a contract, then attention is likely to shift to a back-up, with a view to competing with De Gea. (@TyMarshall_MEN) #mufc 🥈 https://t.co/SrCa2FsRM0
It was reported that United had agreed on a £200,000-a-week contract with De Gea, but Manchester United withdrew the offer later, presenting a new proposal with reduced terms. Reports suggest De Gea is now exploring other options, including a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia.
All eyes are on Sanchez
While the Brighton goalie has shown promise and even represented Spain at the international level, added to his performance against high-pressing teams in PL, it can prove to be a bonus for United.
Sanchez had a passing accuracy of 75% in the previous Premier League season but relied heavily on long balls. Steele, on the other hand, had a higher pass accuracy of 88% and was better at creating scoring opportunities.
Sanchez’s inconsistency with long balls raises doubts about his suitability as the main goalkeeper. With his limited game time in Brighton and struggles to clear balls and avoid losing possession, he played only one game in Brighton’s last 16 league matches during the second half of the season.
And with Brighton signing Netherlands U21 goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen from Anderlecht, Sanchez is in danger of being pushed down as a third-choice if he opts to continue at The Seagulls.
While he is a home-grown Brighton player with immense potential, there are doubts about whether he possesses the necessary qualities to significantly strengthen United’s goalkeeping ranks.
Manchester United’s search for a new first-choice goalkeeper has led them to consider Brighton’s Robert Sanchez as a cost-effective option. With Andre Onana’s price tag deemed too steep, United will continue to pursue Sanchez, who could potentially provide depth in the goalkeeping department.
