Eintracht Frankfurt star Kevin Trapp has ruled out making a summer switch to Manchester United.
As confirmed by Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Manchester United’s chances of landing UEFA Europa League-winning goalkeeper Kevin Trapp from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt this summer have gone up in smoke.
The German international has been a mainstay in the Bundesliga for years and is a reliable shot-stopper with much experience to boot. David de Gea has been the undisputed number one at Old Trafford for more than a decade, but the Spaniard could do with some competition.
De Gea was particularly woeful in Manchester United’s loss to Brentford in Gameweek 2 of the 2022/23 Premier League. Erik ten Hag is keen to add to his options in goal and set his eyes on the 32-year-old Frankfurt ace. The former PSG man is proven at the top level and also has European experience to boot. Given his age, Trapp is unlikely to be a long-term solution but would have added much value to Manchester United’s goalkeeping roster.
The Red Devils, however, are unwilling to meet Trapp’s €25 million asking price and have now shifted their focus elsewhere. Newcastle United’s Martin Dubravka and Borussia Monchengladbach shot-stopper Yan Sommer are now the names on ten Hag’s shortlist. With just days left in the summer window, Manchester United need to act fast.
Letting Dean Henderson leave on loan was always a risk given the false sense of security it would afford de Gea. The Spaniard is far from his best and has regressed over the last few years. While he is on a good day an excellent keeper, consistency eludes him.
Trapp is aware of the interest from Old Trafford but has made up his mind to stay put. While a move to the Theatre of Dreams is indeed exciting, it is a poisoned chalice of sorts. Ten Hag still has much work to do, and Trapp is unlikely to displace de Gea as the club’s undisputed number one.
He is better off staying put in Germany as part of an exciting Eintracht Frankfurt side that shocked Europe last season. At 32, the German ace’s chances of one big move have fallen by the wayside. With the 2022 FIFA World Cup coming up, the chance to sit on the bench, even if it is at Old Trafford, may not be as appealing as it sounds.
