Manchester United’s expected summer shake-up could involve changes at the goalkeeper position.
When he was appointed in summer 2023, Erik ten Hag deferred a decision at goalkeeper, electing to keep David de Gea another year. He replaced De Gea with Andre Onana 12 months later.
Now in his new job at Bayer Leverkusen, the goalkeeper position is one which Ten Hag wants to solve urgently, looking at potential signings already.
And it’s possible there could be an impact for Manchester United, with the Red Devils strongly linked with replacing Andre Onana already.
Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images
Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images
Leverkusen want Joan Garcia
According to German outlet Sport Bild, Bayer Leverkusen’s ‘preferred solution’ is to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
And this could put Erik ten Hag on a collision course with former club Manchester United.
Spanish outlet Cope reported in late April that Manchester United had made contact over a possible move for Joan Garcia.
Garcia has a £21.3 million release clause in his Espanyol contract. He has also previously been linked to Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal, and Garcia has been compared to lker Casillas.
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The 24-year-old previously represented Spain at youth level, although has not yet made an appearance for his country’s senior side.
Due to his release clause, age and talent, Garcia would be an interesting option for Manchester United to sign as a replacement for Andre Onana, providing Erik ten Hag and Bayer Leverkusen do not snap him up first.
Another Ten Hag snub for Matej Kovar
Bayer Leverkusen have also been linked with a move for Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken as an alternative to Joan Garcia.
It is bad news for Leverkusen stopper Matej Kovar, who Erik ten Hag sold from Manchester United in summer 2024.
Kovar, 25, has gone on to play 32 games for Bayer Leverkusen, keeping 16 clean sheets.
But already it appears his reunion with Erik ten Hag is not going to go very well, with the Dutchman looking at new goalkeepers.