Manchester United have reportedly identified Red Bull Salzburg goalkeeper Philipp Kohn as a potential replacement for Dean Henderson.
If a report from 90 min is to be believed, Manchester United have entered the race to sign Philipp Kohn. The 24-year-old Red Bull Salzburg goalkeeper has emerged as a potential target for the Premier League heavyweights as they brace themselves for life without Dean Henderson.
The Englishman is expected to depart Old Trafford in the summer after struggling with a lack of game-time. He has evidently fallen behind David de Gea in the pecking order at Manchester United and wants to revive his career elsewhere in the coming season. Henderson is already a target for multiple clubs across England, including Newcastle United.
The Magpies are targeting Henderson as a potential competitor for Martin Dubravka next season. At the age of just 25, the Manchester United outcast may even emerge as an ideal long-term replacement for the Slovak shot-stopper, who is currently in the final phase of his career.
In light of Henderson’s likely departure, Manchester United are scouring the market for a new goalkeeper. The Red Devils have recently been linked with a move for Dundee United shot-stopper Benjamin Siegrist, but in Philipp Kohn, they could find themselves a goalkeeper with a higher ceiling.
Currently serving as the first-choice ‘keeper for Red Bull Salzburg, Kohn has been a revelation since his successful loan spell at FC Wil 1900 last season. The 24-year-old has become the undisputed starter for Leipzig, racking up 23 league appearances in the Austrian Bundesliga, conceding just 13 goals.
While the 24-year-old did have a forgettable UEFA Champions League outing against Bayern Munich, conceding seven goals in one game, many regard him as a future replacement for Swiss number one Yann Sommer, although he is set to face stiff competition from Borussia Dortmund star Gregor Kobel.
Kohn’s rapid rise to prominence has not gone unnoticed, with Manchester United prepared to make a move in the summer. The Red Devils consider the Swiss international as an ideal backup for de Gea, as Ralf Rangnick looks to strengthen the team’s depth in the goalkeeping department.
However, it remains to be seen whether Kohn himself will be keen on a move to Old Trafford. Given the promise he has shown so far, he won’t be too attached to the idea of playing second fiddle and will look to put regular game-time under his belt. With that in mind, it won’t be surprising to see the 24-year-old remaining at Salzburg beyond the summer rather than making a giant leap to Manchester United or some other big club.
