Manchester Untied and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on signing Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak in the January transfer window.
Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak is nearing the end of his contract with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid, and Premier League clubs Manchester United and Tottenham are keeping tabs on him, as per Fichajes.
Oblak has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga and the world during his time at Atletico Madrid, and he is unlikely to have any shortage of suitors as he looks to sort out his long-term future before the end of the season.
Given the fact that his contract ends in the summer of 2023, the Slovenian goalkeeper will be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs upon the turn of the year. So far there has not been any update on a potential renewal with the Spanish club, and therefore, it is fair to assume that Oblak will join a new club at the end of the season.
A move to Tottenham could be ideal for the Slovenian international. Spurs are already looking for a long-term replacement for club captain Hugo Lloris who is in his twilight years, with Illan Meslier among those on their radar. Oblak has proven himself over the years and he would be a superb acquisition for the north London club.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have been linked with a number of goalkeepers in recent months, with the latest being Jordan Pickford. And it will be interesting to see if they decide to bring in Oblak as a potential replacement for David de Gea.
A player of Oblak’s calibre is unlikely to accept the role of a backup goalkeeper, and therefore, if Manchester United decide to pursue him, it would be as a replacement for De Gea.
Apparently, Atletico Madrid will demand a fee of around €30 million for the experienced goalkeeper, and that could prove to be a major bargain for his suitors. Oblak is in his peak right now and has his best years ahead of him. He is certainly good enough to justify the asking price.
Furthermore, the reported €30 million asking price should be affordable for Manchester United and Tottenham. And it remains to be seen whether they come forward with a concrete offer in the coming weeks.
Atletico Madrid have already lined up a potential replacement, and they are looking to Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa. Martinez has been a revelation since his move to Villa Park from Arsenal. He has firmly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League and would be a solid replacement for the Slovenian goalkeeper at the Wanda Metropolitano.
