Manchester United continue to explore options to resolve their goalkeeping situation, with uncertainty still hanging over André Onana’s future. Following a 2024/25 campaign riddled with inconsistencies and high-profile errors, the Cameroonian’s position as first-choice goalkeeper is under increasing scrutiny. While no official decision has been made yet, the club is actively monitoring alternatives in the transfer market.
One of the names gaining traction is Kauã Santos, the highly rated 22-year-old Brazilian currently playing for Eintracht Frankfurt. His performances in the Bundesliga have caught the attention of several top European clubs, and within United’s scouting department, he’s seen as a long-term solution rather than a quick fix. His composure, reflexes, and distribution have earned praise, and he’s widely regarded as a goalkeeper with immense potential.
Reports from Die Welt, relayed by Sport Witness, claim that Manchester United are among the clubs showing interest. Bayern Munich are also believed to be monitoring his development. However, when asked directly about the interest in a recent interview, Santos was quick to downplay the speculation. He stated that his focus remains on Eintracht Frankfurt and that he’s fully committed to continuing his growth with the German club.
At the same time, Manchester United are said to have considered Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund as another possible replacement for Onana. Kobel, with his experience in high-pressure matches and Champions League exposure, would offer a more immediate upgrade. But such a move would likely be costly and require careful negotiation.
Kauã Santos in Eintracht Frankfurt’s goalkeeper kit, with subtle Manchester United and Bayern Munich crests in the background, hinting at transfer rumors
“The people in charge in Frankfurt have shown enormous trust in me. They wanted to continue working with me before these rumours even surfaced. They still have a lot of faith in me here, so it was clear to me that I wanted to extend my contract. I want to establish myself as a goalkeeper, perform well, and achieve as much as possible. I’m not busy with anything else at the moment, because my entire focus is on Eintracht Frankfurt.”
At just 22, the Brazilian possesses undeniable talent. His calmness under pressure, strong one-on-one skills, and excellent positional sense make him a compelling long-term prospect. In many ways, he fits the profile of the modern goalkeeper United would ideally want to build around in the years to come.
However, there’s a fundamental issue: timing. Santos has made it clear he wants to stay at Frankfurt, and United simply don’t have the luxury of patience. The club needs immediate solutions to stabilise a defence that struggled throughout the 2024/25 season. Waiting for a young goalkeeper to develop while current issues remain unresolved would be a strategic misstep.
In that context, insisting on Santos now may prove counterproductive. Pushing for a player who isn’t mentally ready to leave could lead to a reluctant transfer and possibly underwhelming results. Unless the player’s stance shifts significantly, United’s efforts would be better spent on more attainable targets who can contribute right away.
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It would be far more pragmatic for Manchester United to focus on goalkeepers who are currently open to a move. The urgency of the situation demands immediate reinforcement, and chasing unavailable targets risks wasting valuable time in a rapidly moving market. Still, that doesn’t mean United should write off Kauã Santos entirely.
Football is fluid. What seems like a closed door now could swing open in a matter of months. Santos hasn’t rejected United outright, he’s simply prioritising his development at Frankfurt. That maturity, combined with his on-field composure, marks him as someone who understands the importance of timing in his career.
If he continues his current trajectory, he could emerge as one of the most reliable young goalkeepers in Europe. United would be wise to keep him on their radar. Walking away now doesn’t mean walking away forever. Some players grow best when left to follow their own path and sometimes, those paths circle back at just the right moment.