Manchester United have re-emerged in the hunt for elite goalkeeper Jan Oblak, following reports of an enticing price tag.
Moreover, the club is eager to replace their former Ten Hag favourite, who now faces the axe. In addition, United are reportedly willing to make a bold statement in the transfer market with this potential move.
Earlier, United offered David de Gea a new contract in summer 2023. However, they backed out at the last minute. At the behest of then-manager Erik ten Hag, the club let de Gea leave on a free transfer before paying £47.5million to secure Andre Onana as their new No 1. Unfortunately, Onana has made poor mistakes in his United shirt, which now puts him at risk of a summer exit under Ruben Amorim.
Furthermore, Spanish outlet Todo Fichajes claims that United plan to raid Atletico Madrid for Oblak. The Red Devils are reportedly ready to launch an aggressive bid ahead of next season. In addition, the reports suggest that the club admires the 32-year-old world-class shot-stopper. Oblak currently carries a massive €103m release clause in his Atleti contract.
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Moreover, the report states that United will only need to offer between €25-30m—up to £25m—to sign the Slovenia international. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid aims to overhaul their squad this summer. Consequently, Oblak becomes one of the top-quality players that the Spanish giants are willing to move on from.
In addition, Oblak is seeking one last challenge in his career. He wishes to join a club that can offer him a new platform to showcase his exceptional talent. Furthermore, United appear to provide exactly that, as they plan to give him the opportunity to prove why he ranks among the best keepers in the world.
Additionally, United made initial contact for Oblak in January. However, the goalkeeper chose not to entertain talks as he hopes to win the Spanish title with Atletico Madrid before switching clubs in the summer. Meanwhile, Saudi clubs have also shown keen interest. They can offer Oblak far more money, yet they do not match United’s level of football.
Simultaneously, United face a broader transfer challenge. Sir Jim Ratcliffe now backs the club’s long-term target Harry Kane, whose release clause at Bayern will drop to £54m next year. Moreover, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ forward Matheus Cunha, with a £62m buyout clause, also features on United’s shortlist. In addition, Porto’s Portugal No 1 Diogo Costa, who is 25 years old and already in top form, emerges as a potential option if United need a younger shot-stopper to build for the future.
