Recent reports from The Athletic state that Manchester United are keen on signing Watford goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann in the ongoing transfer window as Erik Ten Hag looks set to add to his defensive options ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The Hornets have signed Maduka Okoye from Sparta Rotterdam as the first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming Championship season. As a result, Buchmann’s future at the Vicarage Road has been put in doubt. The Austrian shot-stopper would prefer being the second-choice at Manchester United than struggling in the second division of English football. Furthermore, the unattractive prospect of a fifty per cent pay cut following Watford’s relegation could force him into considering his future elsewhere.
Despite two years left on his contract with the Hornets, Manchester United can secure his services for a fee in the region of £2 million to £4 million. As per the report, no other clubs are in the race for the player’s signature.
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Daniel Bachmann took part in a total of thirteen games during the 2021/22 season, conceding thirty-two goals across all competitions. He played second fiddle to 39-year-old Ben Foster for most of the campaign, and now, with Okoye expected to succeed the Englishman, Bachmann is likely to remain in the same sporadic role. However, he will go on the pre-season tour with Watford, looking to impress the coaching staff.
A Low-Risk Deal?
With newly promoted side Nottingham Forest keen on securing Dean Henderson’s signature, there’s no doubt that Manchester United need to recruit a backup goalkeeper in the coming days. Bachmann looks like the most viable option, especially given his price tag and the negligible risks associated with it.
Aged 27, he can take up the starting role if there’s ever a crisis. Otherwise, he’ll almost get guaranteed gametime in the cup fixtures.
(Stats from Transfermarkt)
