Unai Simon is a target for Manchester United and Aston Villa, as both Premier League sides are keen on refreshing their goalkeeping options.
According to Fichajes, Manchester United and Aston Villa are seriously considering a move for Unai Simon. The Atletic Bilbao stopper could move on to greener pastures of the Premier League.
Unai Simon is now Spain’s starting choice goalkeeper, and he has come to the position after consistent displays for Athletic Bilbao. Luis Enrique has many options but has preferred to stick with his no. 1 in two major tournaments now.
Simon’s rise meant there was no place for David De Gea on the Spanish side. The Manchester United star’s performances have drastically improved under Erik ten Hag, but that is unlikely to change Enrique’s stance on the Spanish no. 1 spot.
De Gea’s Manchester United future is also in considerable doubt, with his original contract expiring in the summer. The club has the option to extend it and might take it, considering some top clubs could show interest in the keeper. Ten Hag has planned for the future, with several possibilities discussed internally.
One of them is Simon, who could look to further his career with a big move to the Premier League. Manchester United are keeping tabs on the Athletic keeper, who has three years left on his deal at the Spanish side. While he is a regular in La Liga, the stopper could forge a solid career in England.
His style of play is close to what Ten Hag wants from his keeper, as De Gea lacks those. Manchester United, however, has some competition coming from Aston Villa, whose manager Unai Emery is keen on Simon to join him in England.
The report suggests Emery has had a problem with Emiliano Martinez and could look to move on from the former Arsenal goalkeeper. The Argentine international is having a sensational World Cup campaign, and after signing a new contract only recently, he will prove an expensive acquisition to any suitors.
Emery has reportedly asked the club to sign Simon to replace Martinez, although it’s difficult to see the deal happen. Meanwhile, Athletic are already looking at former star Kepa Arrizzabalaga as Simon’s replacement.
Simon will cost plenty of money but nothing that Premier League sides can’t pay. He will prove a solid option for either Manchester United or Aston Villa, although he would no doubt opt for a club playing in European competitions.
