Manchester United Express Interest in Dortmund Keeper Gregor Kobel

Borussia Dortmund shot-stopper Gregor Kobel is the name that has emerged for Manchester United in their search for a goalkeeper, according to reports in Germany. The Red Devils are considering making a make for the Swiss keeper as a replacement for David de Gea.

The current no.1 at United, David de Gea, has rejected the latest contract proposal presented by the club. The Spaniard’s deal at Old Trafford expires at the end of this season. Although both parties want a contract renewal, they are finding it difficult to reach an agreement.

Meanwhile, Gregor Kobel has the second-highest number of clean sheets in the Bundesliga this season with 8 clean sheets in 21 league games so far (stats via Transfermarkt). He has saved Dortmund on quite a few occasions, while also getting himself some “picture-perfect” moments.

According to German outlet Blick (via Daily Mail), Manchester United are planning a summer move for Gregor Kobel and have communicated their willingness to Borussia Dortmund. The English club have identified the Swiss international as a possible addition if they fail to agree a deal with De Gea.

Kobel has an impotant decision to make as Premier League sides Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also competing for his signature. Whereas, Dortmund are also keen on offering the 25-year-old an improved contract to keep him at the club.

United manager Erik ten Hag prefers a goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet. He likes keepers who can keep possession and can play out from the back. The Dutch manager’s knack of playing with a high defensive line means that he needs a keeper who can come out of his position often to fend off dangerous chances.

🚨 Chelsea and Manchester United are both interested in Borussia Dortmund‘s Gregor Kobel.

They have met with the agent of the Swiss goalkeeper. The 25-year-old has a contract until 2026; there is no release clause.

He wants to stay at least one more year with BVB. The… pic.twitter.com/l7eUETk1Ea

— Chelsea Dodgers (@TheBlueDodger) March 14, 2023

De Gea has been performing quite well in these aspects compared to the previous seasons. However, the Dutch manager could get a bit more out of a younger and a natural ball-playing goalkeeper.

The Spaniard is currently the highest earner at Old Trafford and rightly so. However, Ten Hag is ushering in some changes that the 32-year-old keeper may not be a fan of. The Red Devils had made an attempt to reduce the Spanish goalkeeper’s wage which is currently £375,000 per week. United want to bring down their wage bill and they also want to make sure none of their players are overpaid.

Why Gregor Kobel Could be a Better Fit for Manchester United?

Erik ten Hag has incorporated his style of gameplay at the Theatre of Dreams and it has certainly worked. However, he still needs a few more players suited to his system to get the best out of this squad. One of the positions that the manager needs to strengthen is the goalkeeping department.

David de Gea has been United’s most reliable player in the past decade. However, he has had a dip since 2018. Since the arrival of Ten Hag, the Spaniard has certainly improved in terms of doing the sweeper keeper job and also in the distribution department. However, De Gea is now 32-years-old and there is less scope for development when compared to a 25-year-old goalkeeper.

Gregor Kobel has excellent judgment when leaving his line to clear the 50-50 balls in the bid to ward off the danger. Moreover, he also has an impressive passing range and excellent pass completion success rate when compared to David de Gea. In addition, the Swiss also stands tall at 6 feet 4 inches, helping him to cover the goal comfortably.

Although the Spanish keeper has been the club’s most important player in the last decade, it is now time for him to pass the baton to his successor. It is now the era of Erik ten Hag and the Dutch manager should be supported in regard to his choice of players and vision for the club.

It may not be easy for Manchester United to convince De Gea to stay on as no.2 to another goalkeeper but it does look like the way to go for the long-term future.

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