Man Utd breathe huge sign of relief after Bayern Munich ready Aston Villa raid that’ll preserve signing Ten Hag craves
Bayern Munich may accidentally give Manchester United a great favor after a report suggested they're considering a move for an Aston Villa player currently in the news.
While Man Utd’s search for a new striker is taking the front stage, the goalkeeping department also appears ready for change. Indeed, Sky Germany has revealed that at present, the Red Devils do not want to extend David de Gea’s contract.
The Spaniard, 32, is out of contract at the end of the season, although the club has a 12-month extension option. According to the dependable Florian Plettenberg, United does not intend to use the option, and De Gea will go in 2023.
A new No. 1 will most likely be sought next summer. However, a more experienced backup to loanee Martin Dubravka or Tom Heaton and Dean Henderson is also on the agenda.
Varying sources have stated United is currently in talks with Borussia Monchengladbach’s Yann Sommer.
The 33-year-old Switzerland international is being pursued as a high-level No 2, and TEAMtalk has been informed that talks have begun. However, a spectacular turn of events has combined to derail United’s intentions.
Bayern’s quest for a replacement for Neuer is prompted by his injury.
Manuel Neuer, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper, recently injured his leg in a skiing accident. The Bayern No 1 has been declared out for the rest of the season and unsurprisingly, the Bavarians are seeking replacements for January.
Sommer is one name who’s emerged on their radar according to the German press. On Sunday, the Italian newspaper Calciomercato confirmed Bayern’s interest.
Sommer has been a consistent and capable performer for Gladbach for many years. Bayern should go with someone they’ve seen up and personal for numerous years.
However, a recent report from French outlet MediaFoot sheds additional light on Bayern’s goalkeeper quest. Instead of United’s target Sommer, Bayern Munich is reportedly eyeing Aston Villa’s, Emiliano Martinez.
The 30-year-old is fresh off helping Argentina win the World Cup and saving a penalty in the shootout. Argentina barely made it to penalties in the first place following Martinez’s spectacular last-minute save from Randal Kolo Muani.
Martinez to Bayern would ensure his future. Sommer to Manchester United
Martinez has been outstanding since arriving at Villa Park in the summer of 2021 from Arsenal. However, there are uncertainties as to whether he’ll be favored by incoming boss Unai Emery.
The pair’s friendship worsened during Emery’s tenure in north London. Bayern presumably aims to capitalize on any lingering ill-will with Martinez front and center in their sights.
Martinez ticks all the boxes for what Bayern wants and rather than simply be a stop-gap repair, it’s thought he may go on to succeed Neuer as the No 1 when the time comes. Martinez is 30 years old, whereas Neuer is 36.
Martinez, according to reports, has expressed no desire to leave England. However, the story poses the question: Can Martinez really say no to a club the magnitude of Bayern Munich offering Champions League football?
Man United will be hoping he doesn’t. Indeed, if Bayern does move for Martinez, they’ll have no need to sign Sommer.
The Swiss will then be free to sign on the dotted line at Old Trafford, preserving Ten Hag’s aim to bring in an ultra-dependable No. 2.
