Man Utd linked with €60m goalkeeper as transfer plans intensify | OneFootball

Man Utd Make Enquiry for ‘World-Class’ Frankfurt Goalkeeper Kaua Santos

Initial Contact Made as Goalkeeper Plans Evolve

Manchester United have taken what Sport Bild describe as a “big first step” towards a potential move for Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos, with early discussions already underway. The report confirms that United’s new director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, spoke with Frankfurt’s sporting director Markus Krosche to enquire about Santos’s future plans.

Santos, 23, has become one of Europe’s most talked-about young goalkeepers following a series of standout performances this season – most notably in the 1-1 Europa League draw with Tottenham Hotspur, where Sport Bild reveal Spurs technical director Johan Lange also asked about his availability.

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Frankfurt are reportedly under no pressure to sell, but any suitor would be expected to pay in excess of €60million (£51m) to secure the Brazilian’s signature.

Pressure Mounts on Onana and Bayindir

Uncertainty continues to hang over United’s current goalkeeping department. André Onana, brought in last summer to replace David de Gea, has endured a turbulent debut campaign. His recent errors in the Europa League tie against Lyon led to his exclusion from the starting XI in the 4-0 defeat to Newcastle.

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His replacement, Altay Bayindir, failed to capitalise on the opportunity, conceding four goals from six shots on target and drawing criticism for his role in Newcastle’s final strike. Amorim has confirmed Onana will return for the Europa League second leg, but the long-term outlook is increasingly unclear.

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Santos Impressing at European Level

Kaua Santos’s growing reputation isn’t based on hype alone. After replacing the injured Kevin Trapp during a win over Wolfsburg in September, the Brazilian has gone on to make 13 appearances for Frankfurt, showcasing agility, composure and a commanding presence beyond his years.

Lothar Matthäus described his showing against Spurs as “world-class”, a sentiment echoed by many scouts across Europe. As Sport Bild put it, “all of Europe’s top clubs” are monitoring his situation and United’s early move signals clear intent.

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Price Tag Could Be a Factor

Whether United follow through with a formal bid could hinge on the price. At €60m+, Santos would become one of the most expensive goalkeepers in Premier League history. But with doubts over both current keepers and long-term planning under Amorim, investment in a younger, elite-level stopper might be a priority.

With competition expected from clubs in the Premier League and beyond, United may need to act decisively to stay in contention for one of Europe’s most coveted emerging talents.

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This is exactly the kind of ambition fans want to see from United. Kaua Santos isn’t just a decent prospect – he looks like a future world-beater. At 23, he’s already pulling off elite-level saves in major European competitions and keeping calm under pressure against sides like Spurs. That speaks volumes.

The idea of pairing him with a modern rebuild under Amorim feels like the right move. United have been burned with stop-gap solutions for years – ageing signings, panic buys – and now we’re seeing signs of proper forward planning. Christopher Vivell making contact this early? That’s proactive, and it’s refreshing.

Yes, €60 million is steep. But in this market, you pay for potential, especially when it’s a player that could define your defence for the next decade. If clubs like Bayern, City or Real Madrid are watching, that’s a queue United need to be at the front of. For once, they can’t wait until it’s too late.