Tom Heaton has agreed a new one-year deal with Manchester Unitedplaceholder image
Tom Heaton has agreed a new one-year deal with Manchester United | Getty Images
Man Utd have reached a breakthrough in their contract negotiations.
Tom Heaton has agreed a new one-year deal with Manchester United that will keep him at the club until June 2026. The 39-year-old was set to become a free agent at the end of the month but is now going to stay for his fifth season at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim would eventually like to refresh his goalkeeper options, but appreciates the need for some stability this summer as other areas of the pitch take priority. United are in the market for a new back-up goalkeeper, with Andre Onana expected to remain at the club for another season before his future is assessed in a year.
Heaton has only made three appearances in four seasons with United, with his last competitive appearance in the 7-0 League Cup victory over Barnsley last August. His other appearances came in a 3-0 League Cup victory over Charlton and a cameo from the bench in a Champions League draw with Young Boys.
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Tom Heaton set for new United deal after twist
Taking to social media on Tuesday morning, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed a breakthrough had been reached in talks to offer Tom Heaton a new deal.
"Manchester United agree new deal for 3rd goalkeeper Tom Heaton staying at the club until June 2026," he wrote on X. "Decision shared with Rúben Amorim and approved by the coaching staff. Official soon."
United could still sign a new goalkeeper this summer, but are more likely to move for a back-up to replace Altay Bayindir than a first-choice to rival Andre Onana. It is important they have a reliable alternative in net next season, given Onana is likely to represent Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations midway through the season.
It has already been confirmed Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen will become free agents when their respective deals expire at the end of the month, though Heaton won’t be on the search for a new club. It represents a twist for United, after Romano revealed in April he was also set to depart: “Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans are both set to leave Manchester United at the end of the season, plan confirmed.”
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