Despite signing Andre Onana as David de Gea’s replacement in 2023, Manchester United are still on the lookout for a commanding presence in between the sticks.
That is because the Cameroonian has kept committing high-profile errors in both his seasons so far and despite publicly backing him, Ruben Amorim is far from pleased.
To add to the complications, backup keeper Altay Bayindir, who has received more minutes under the Portuguese tactician, wants to return back home.
It will not be easy to find the right fit with the Red Devils linked with a move for Lucas Chevalier of Lille, James Trafford and Diogo Costa just to name a few.
Goalkeeper wanted
SportBild have added a brand new name to the list — Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Kauã Santos. The Brazilian is only 21 but his shot-stopping has earned him immense praise this term.
Acting as Kevin Trapp’s backup, the former Flamengo ace has managed nine appearances this season and while he has kept a solitary clean sheet, his display against Bayern Munich earned him praise from Bayern legend Thomas Muller, who called him “outstanding“.
The Brazilian national team already sees him as Ederson and Allison’s eventual successor in goal while his former outfit regret the decision to let him leave for a paltry €1.6 million.
Frankfurt will not repeat the same mistake and they feel the Brazil U20 international is far from the finished product and can improve even further.
Which is why they have slapped a €60 million price tag on his head to ward off potential suitors. The Red Devils were one of them, coming close to agreeing a deal last summer.
The Bundesliga side agreed a contract extension until 2030 a week after United expressed their interest, which means the 20-time English league champions will find it hard to come back in for him again given the financial difficulties the club is experiencing currently.
“When Frankfurt goalkeeper Kauã Santos (21) replaced the injured Kevin Trapp (34) in the 3-1 win at Besiktas Istanbul last October and put in an outstanding save, Cláudio Taffarel (58) contacted him.
Brazilian, a legend in the making
“The Brazilians see Santos as a future international and successor to Ederson (31/Manchester City) and Alisson Becker (32/Liverpool).
“Santos is still only at the beginning of his development. Frankfurt believes he has only reached 50 to 60 percent of his potential. According to SPORT BILD, the club is not willing to sell him for less than €60 million.
“Santos’ talent hasn’t gone unnoticed by Europe’s top clubs. Last fall, Manchester United expressed interest in the Brazilian. But he balked. Instead, exactly one week after the match against Besiktas Istanbul, he prematurely extended his contract with Eintracht Frankfurt from 2028 to 2030.”
Amorim desperately needs a striker first and foremost, and if money permits, a midfielder and wingback. The defence is fairly sorted given Ayden Heaven’s impressive form.
Whether INEOS can afford an extensive outlay on the goalkeeping position will depend on Onana’s future. He has been linked with a move away and should he leave for a high fee, there might be a chance United return for Santos.
Feature image Alex Grimm via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
