Nottingham Forest have agreed personal terms with Dean Henderson with the intention of signing the England goalkeeper initially on loan with the option to buy for £20 million.
The goalkeeper, seemingly sensing that David De Gea would remain number one at Manchester United has agreed terms to sign for Nottingham Forest. Dean Henderson duelled with the Spaniard during the COVID-19 affected Premier League season when Manchester United came 2nd, playing 26 games in all competitions and providing a different outlet, being assertive off his line and commanding in his penalty area.
Henderson has been subject to much interest with Newcastle United also hovering around, but Henderson already has valuable experience with newly promoted Premier League teams such as his time on loan at Sheffield United, first when they were promoted to the Premier League in a Championship season, then when he kept the No.1 spot proving crucial as Sheffield United stayed up.
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As reported by Olly Allen at the Daily Mail, the move would make sense with current Forest keeper Brice Samba being courted by French team Lens, having reportedly submitted a bid for the Congolese keeper.
The move will be interesting to keep tabs on if it occurs as it has been pondered if James Garner would go back on loan to the club for a third successive season, with Premier League club rules stating clubs cannot loan more than one player from the same club at any given point.
With Manchester United having little option in central midfield due to the departures of Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba, it may be the case that Garner will finally get his chance in the first team.
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This transfer would certainly mean United are firmly behind backing David de Gea as the No.1 goalkeeper for the foreseeable future, as unless the club decide to bring in another new goalkeeper, Tom Heaton would be the Spaniard’s back-up.
With all transfer activity supposedly overseen with Ten Hag’s approval it speaks volumes that Henderson would be deemed surplus to requirements in a position United aren’t exactly strengthened in.
Perhaps Ten Hag recognises the need to back a senior player like De Gea so swiftly and rely on his experience, and Henderson can only spend so long waiting in the wings for his chance to shine at OId Trafford.
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De Gea, though a fantastic shot-stopper, has been questioned in other departments that Henderson thrives in a little more, such as being an extra and fairly reliable option in team build-up play and a more proactive presence in goal – but with Henderson agreeing terms with Forest, it seems the Dutchman has made his decision on which goalkeeper he wants to proceed his maiden season in English football with.
Topics: Dean Henderson, Tom Heaton, Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Football, David De Gea, Erik Ten Hag
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