Argentinian goalkeeper Sergio Romero has inked a three-year deal with English Premier League side Manchester United after Louis van Gaal had promised another star signing for Man U even after signing quality players in Bastian Schweinsteiger, Memphis Depay, and Morgan Schneiderlin.
Romero came in as free transfer having last played at Italian side Sampdoria and will be reunited with his former boss when the Argentine and van Gaal used to defend the Dutch side AZ Alkmaar from 2007 to 2009.
The 28 year-old is also the first choice goalkeeper for the Argentine National Team, a spot he has kept since 2009, having played in two Copa Americas and two World Cups.
“I am absolutely delighted to join Manchester United. To play for the biggest club in the world is a dream come true for me. Louis van Gaal is a fantastic manager and I cannot wait to get started on this new and exciting challenge in my career,” said Romero about his move to the Mancunian club.
Welcome to #mufc, Sergio Romero! #WelcomeRomero pic.twitter.com/qJE0w28Iuc
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 27, 2015
However, this signing has raised some eyebrows as David De Gea’s future is still up in the air and the fallout between Spaniard Victor Valdés and LVG after Valdés refused to play in the reserve side. This rift between manager and player has lead to the Red Devils’ boss omitting the Spaniard from the trip to the United States for the International Champions Cup and also has placed Valdés up for sale saying, “There is no place for someone like [Valdés].”
Van Gaal said about the impending move of their number one keeper, “I think that in our circumstances, with the threat that David de Gea is going to Real Madrid, we have to prepare our season and I think Sergio Romero can fulfil that because you have to handle very quickly when it may happen with David de Gea.”
There are reports that Manchester United will not allow De Gea to move to the Spanish giants unless Sergio Ramos agrees to a transfer to Man U, but there are contrasting reports that state that Ramos is close to signing a new deal with Real Madrid and will not be joining the Red Devils.
Nevertheless, van Gaal signed Romero and will most likely keep him as a contingency plan in case De Gea does not make the transfer over to Real. However, the reality for van Gaal and Red Devils’ fans everywhere is that De Gea is most likely going to land in the Spanish capital, but van Gaal has faith that Romero can become their new number one keeper.
“I think Sergio Romero can fulfil that because you have to handle quickly what may happen with David De Gea. I think he is a very good choice… He is the Argentinian goalkeeper. He has international experience… I know him. I also know his character so I hope he can have a contribution to our selection and I have confidence he can give that.”
