Manchester United are set to announce a new contractplaceholder image
Manchester United are set to announce a new contract | Getty Images
Man Utd have decided to give the veteran a new deal after he was initially expected to leave as a free agent.
Tom Heaton has 'agreed and sealed' a new Manchester United contract after he was initially set to leave the club as a free agent in the summer transfer window. The 39-year-old was named on United's official retained list earlier in the month because he hadn't yet agreed to a new deal with the club.
Heaton was named on the list alongside the likes of Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen, who are all set to depart as free agents at the end of the month. United have been in talks over a new deal for the experienced goalkeeper and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims an agreement has now been reached, with an official announcement expected soon.
Taking to social media on Friday afternoon, Romano posted his latest update on the situation: "Tom Heaton’s new deal at Manchester United has been agreed and sealed, done deal. It will be valid until June 2026."
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Why Tom Heaton has agreed new Manchester United deal
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. Manchester 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 is a well-respected member of the United dressing room, and it makes sense to keep him at the club for another year, given there could be plenty of upheaval this summer.
The veteran shot-stopper 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.
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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