Manchester United have found a top goalkeeper in Serie A
Manchester United’s search for a new goalkeeper has reportedly led them towards a star with a unique history at Old Trafford. The Red Devils are looking to secure Roma’s Mile Svilar as a replacement for the starting André Onana.
Rúben Amorim has made the purchase of a new goalkeeper one of his top priorities in the summer transfer window, having lost faith in Onana – and to a lesser extent reserve goalkeeper Altay Bayındır. This could lead to a complete upheaval of the goalkeeper department before next season.
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Reports have surfaced that Onana could get an escape route to Saudi second division club NEOM SC, which was founded just two years ago but has massive financial backing and wants to make a spectacular purchase by signing the Man Utd goalkeeper.
Resting on the radar
Onana’s imminent departure will force Man Utd into an extensive search process for a new first goalkeeper. But according to the Italian website Tuttomercatoweb, they may have already found his replacement, as they are now hunting for the 25-year-old Svilar.
The former Serbian international goalkeeper’s contract with Roma expires in the summer of 2027, and so far there has been no agreement on an extension.
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Svilar currently earns €1.28 million per season (according to Capology), and it is claimed that he wants around €4 million per year to match other big names in the Roma squad.
The report adds that United have joined clubs such as Manchester City, Chelsea and Bayern Munich in the race to sign the highly valued goalkeeper, who has conceded just 48 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions – and a clean sheet 16 times for Claudio Ranieri’s side.
Svilar has built up a reputation as a goalkeeper with strong reflexes and elite saves, combined with a strong mentality, although there is room for improvement when it comes to his plays.
Destined United transfer?
Svilar was brought to Roma when former United boss José Mourinho was still manager of the I Giallorossi. He was signed on a free transfer from Benfica in 2022.
Mourinho, who is now in charge of Fenerbahçe, remains a big fan of the Serbian – who was actually born in Belgium before switching nationality to Serbia. After declaring for the national team in 2021, he turned down a squad call-up last year and has since been informed that he will not be selected for the national team again.
Svilar has a unique connection to United. In October 2017, he set a new record as the youngest goalkeeper ever to play in the Champions League, when he started for Benfica at the age of 18 years and 52 days in a 1–0 home defeat to the Red Devils.
In the second leg at Old Trafford, at the age of 18 years and 65 days, he became the youngest goalkeeper to save a penalty in the Champions League. In the same match, which ended 2-0 away, he also became the youngest player to score an own goal in the tournament.
Mourinho was United manager at the time and apparently saw enough to recommend Roma sign him later. Considering the incredible events of his teenage days, it might seem like Svilar is destined for Old Trafford.
But as Tuttomercatoweb points out, a lot now depends on whether Svilar and Roma can agree on a new deal. If not, United are ready to strike to secure Onana’s potential replacement.
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