Manchester United are reportedly set to fail in their pursuit of Yann Sommer, who has reservations over a move to Old Trafford.
According to The Sun, Manchester United’s pursuit of Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer appears to have run its course without a move materialising. The Red Devils are unlikely to sign the 33-year-old Swiss international and are lining up other alternatives, amid concerns that Sommer would not accept a backup role.
The Red Devils have so far only made four signings in the summer transfer window window, with Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, and Christian Eriksen arriving through the door, with blockbuster signing Casemiro also on his way to Old Trafford.
Manchester United are still keen to add to their squad even further all across the pitch. They are looking to bolster their goalkeeping options after allowing Dean Henderson to join Nottingham Forest on loan earlier this window, and embarking on a dismal start to the season for current number one David de Gea.
The Spaniard has been the first-choice between the sticks for Manchester United for over a decade now but has overall declined in recent years, excluding the last season. As such, Borussia Monchengladbach’s experienced shot-stopper Sommer has been identified as a top target to fill that role, with the 33-year-old having just one year left on his contract with the Bundesliga club.
The Bundesliga outfit want to keep the 33-year-old at the club and have offered him a contract extension. However, Sommer could be open to a new challenge after eight years in Germany and has attracted suitors from abroad. He declined a transfer to OGC Nice earlier this summer, but he might be open to a better offer.
The 33-year-old would represent an excellent option for the Red Devils. He has been Die Fohlen’s No. 1 for the past seven seasons since his arrival from FC Basel while racking up 74 appearances for the Swiss national side, starring in the recent UEFA Euro 2020 as Switzerland made it to the quarter-finals of the competition.
It was suggested that the 33-year-old Swiss international could arrive as a backup to provide competition for No. 1 de Gea. Manchester United even sent scouts to watch him keep a clean sheet for his team in Bundesliga on Friday night. But a move now looks unlikely to come to fruition. While the player is reported to be flattered by Manchester United’s interest, he holds doubts over a move to Old Trafford in the current state of affairs.
With the 2022 FIFA World Cup just on the horizon, the Switzerland international will be wary of joining a team without guaranteed playing time. With Sommer unlikely to settle for a backup role, Manchester United are also looking at alternative options, with The Sun reporting Norwich City goalkeeper Tim Krul and Watford’s Daniel Bachmann as the names they are currently considering.