Nottingham Forest have agreed a deal to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson on a season-long loan deal, as reported by The Athletic. The English shot-stopper will join Steve Cooper’s side until June 2023, after he completes his medical at the club.
A move to Nottingham Forest for the whole season would grant Dean Henderson plenty of first-team minutes and help him regain his form. Forest will be paying his full salary during this period. However, there is no option-to-buy included in the deal as United would want to see the 25-year-old return to Old Trafford next season.
The newly-promoted side are trying to fill in an opening in the goalkeeper position as Brice Samba has refused to extend his contract at the club. The Reds signed Brice in 2019 and the French goalkeeper was integral in their bid to make it back to the Premier League after more than 20 years.
However, after spending 3 years at the City Ground, the 28-year-old has opted to refuse a chance to play in the English top-flight and wants to make his way back to his home country, with apparently RC Lens interested. The goalkeeper’s decision has created a void that has to be filled by Forest boss Steve Cooper.
United’s second-choice man between the sticks, Henderson emerged as a major transfer target for the newly-promoted side as they pushed for a one-year loan deal for the Englishman. The rumours were turned into genuine news when Fabrizio Romano confirmed that both the clubs were progressing in their talks to make the deal happen.
Nottingham Forest make their comeback to the Premier League after 23 years since getting relegated in 1999, after finishing dead last. The club need to strengthen their squad if they wish to prolong their stay in the English top-flight and they are, therefore, also in talks with numerous other players, such as Moussa Niakhate from Mainz and Manchester United’s James Garner.
Done deal, confirmed. Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson will join Nottingham Forest on a loan deal until June 2023. Here we go. 🚨🏴 #NFFC
No buy option included after further talks between clubs. Deal agreed – it will be signed once Dean Henderson returns. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/DN69uc1aTB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 24, 2022
David De Gea’s re-emergence as the driving force at the heart of United’s defence has pushed Dean Henderson considerably down the pecking order. This must have come as a shock to the Englishman, especially since in just the previous season, huge sections of the fanbase were clamouring for De Gea to be replaced by the 25-year-old as the no.1 choice goalkeeper. Injuries and an over-performing compatriot left Henderson with just 3 appearances in senior competitions for Man United last season (stats via Transfermarkt).
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The Red Devils would be hoping that a loan spell at Nottingham Forest can help Dean Henderson to perform with considerably less pressure which might help him to regain his lost confidence. A United academy graduate, the English shot-stopper signed his first professional contract with the Red Devils in 2015 and has served loan spells at Stockport County, Grimsby Town, Shrewsbury Town, and Sheffield United.
Meanwhile, United won’t struggle to find a second-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming season. They have Tom Heaton in their ranks and are already looking at potential options like Watford’s Daniel Bachmann, who will be willing to join the elite club even if it is for a backup option.
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