According to a recent report by AS (translated by the Daily Express), Manchester United are plotting a move to secure the services of Jan Oblak from Atletico Madrid when the transfer window reopens in January. The same source has also claimed that the Red Devils have identified the La Liga shot-stopper, who has a £108m release clause, as an ideal replacement for David De Gea.
Oblak’s Impressive Start To The New Campaign
Oblak has experienced a brilliant spell under Diego Simeone’s tutelage over the past few years since arriving at the Spanish capital from Benfica in the summer of 2014. The Slovenia international has made an impressive start to this campaign after securing two clean sheets from the opening three fixtures of this La Liga season.
Jan Oblak Vs David De Gea: Who Is Better?
The Slovenia international featured in 44 matches for Atletico Madrid last season, conceding 34 goals while keeping 24 shut outs across multiple competitions. The 26-year-old has also managed to earn 22 international caps for Slovenia thus far.
Comparatively, De Gea has endured a dip in form over the past couple of seasons. The Spanish keeper managed to earn ten clean sheets in 45 appearances for the Red Devils last season while conceding 60 goals on all fronts. The Man United keeper made a high-profile error against Crystal Palace last month when he failed to stop Patrick van Aanholt’s powerful shot. As a result, the Mancunian outfit lost the game in the dying embers of the encounter. Thus, it’s safe to assume that Oblak has the edge over De Gea based on their current form.
What Will The La Liga Goalie Bring To The Theatre Of Dreams?
Oblak is a world-class shot-stopper as he has very fast reflexes which allow him to make some decent saves in between the sticks. He is also an excellent handler of the football and can play the ball out from the back. The Slovenia international had often bailed his team out when the spotlight was on him at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
Can Oblak Be An Ideal Replacement For De Gea?
There is no denying that Oblak is currently one of the best goalkeepers in European football, so it will be a massive coup for the Red Devils if they can lure him to Old Trafford someday. The acquisition of a top-quality keeper like Oblak will significantly bolster Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s goalkeeping options at the Theatre of Dreams.
De Gea has been locked in a contract dispute with Man United this summer. Hence, it might be a wise move by Solskjaer to allow him to leave in January before his current deal runs out at the end of this campaign. Oblak could be the perfect man to fill the Spaniard’s shoes at Manchester as he is an experienced keeper who knows what it takes to taste success at the highest level.
