مدير عام كرة القدم
- Man Utd continue their hunt for new GK
- Pope has emerged as option
- Could be available this summer
Onana has come under increasing scrutiny after several errors between the sticks. متحد boss Ruben Amorim has previously turned to second-choice goalkeeper Altay Bayindir in moments of doubt, but the Turkiye international failed to make a convincing case for regular starts. With that in mind, the Red Devils are believed to be considering more experienced alternatives.
According to talkSPORT United have set their sights on Pope as his contract is due to expire next summer, making him an attractive option in financial terms. The relatively low cost to acquire the veteran keeper, reportedly between £10-£15 million ($13-$20m), falls well within their current budgetary limitations, Football Insider claimed.
Newcastle had set their sights on Burnley‘s James Trafford as a long-term solution between the sticks. The 22-year-old was seen as a key target by manager Eddie Howe, but hopes of securing his signature were recently dashed when مانشستر سيتي triggered a £27m ($36m) buy-back clause to reclaim the young goalkeeper. With that avenue closed, Howe has turned his attention to Aaron Ramsdale, currently on the books at Southampton, following a departure from Arsenal last year. This shift in focus could result in Pope being replaced as Newcastle’s primary goalkeeper, placing his future at the club in doubt.
Ramsdale left Arsenal in 2024 after David Raya emerged as Mikel Arteta’s preferred option. He landed at Southampton in an effort to revive his career, but suffered relegation from the الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز by season’s end. With the Saints preparing for a year in the Championship, they are expected to make sales, potentially including Ramsdale’s departure to ease their wage burden.
Despite Onana’s patchy performances last term, Amorim is expected to begin the upcoming season with the Cameroonian between the posts. Club insiders suggest that there is still belief in Onana’s ability to bounce back, though a reliable deputy who can challenge him for the No.1 role would add a much-needed layer of competitiveness.
