Manchester United are interested in signing Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who is also on the radar of Premier League counterparts Chelsea, according to SportBild (page 20).
The Red Devils have had a disappointing top-flight campaign. They have accumulated 39 points after 35 games. Their defensive record has become worse as the season has progressed.
The goalkeeping department has been a concern with Andre Onana’s inconsistency, and SportBild claim that United ‘haven’t lost sight’ of Kobel ahead of the summer.
However, the Red Devils are unlikely to afford the Swiss sensation as long as Onana remains at the club. A deal could entirely depend on Onana heading for the exit door.
Chelsea are also interested in signing Kobel, but they may need to offload several goalkeepers from the squad in order to persuade the 27-year-old to join them.
Dortmund are eyeing £51 million to part ways with Kobel, who has been described as a goalkeeper of ‘world-class‘ calibre by sporting director Sebastian Kehl.
United unlikely to make huge outlay on Kobel
Onana has been United’s undisputed number one goalkeeper since his arrival from Inter Milan in 2023.
He has produced several stand-out moments, but it has coincided with some forgettable ones too.
The Cameroonian star was largely responsible for United’s early Champions League group stage exit last term.
He made two high-profile errors against Lyon in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final (2-2), but the club still progressed to the last four (7-6 agg) after a dramatic comeback win at Old Trafford (5-4).
Onana has made eight errors leading to goals since the start of last season. Despite this, we don’t see the club spending big on a potential replacement this summer.
The Red Devils need to invest in a marquee striker, a new playmaker and another centre-back. A central midfielder and a right wing-back could also be pursued.
With the limited budget, a first-choice goalkeeper may not be a priority. If United were to sign one, they could target Torino star Vanja Milinkovic-Savic this summer.
The 28-year-old, valued at £10 million by Transfermarkt, has had a brilliant campaign in Serie A with 10 clean sheets. He has a save success rate of 77 percent.
United could sign him as a potential competitor to Onana with Bayindir heading out. We simply don’t see the club paying £51m on a new shot-stopper this year.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
