Crystal Palace’s pursuit of Manchester United’s goalkeeper Dean Henderson has reportedly stalled, with no significant progress made in the negotiations over a deal.
At 26, Henderson has been authorised to leave Old Trafford this summer, having not managed to secure the position of the Red Devils’ primary goalkeeper.
Last season saw a public fallout over his treatment, which led to Henderson being loaned to Nottingham Forest. During his stint with the Tricky Trees, he kept six clean sheets in 20 appearances, contributing to the team’s survival in the Premier League.
While he was recovering from an injury, fellow loan signing Keylor Navas filled in, yet Forest’s management under Steve Cooper still seemed keen on securing a permanent move for the England international. Unfortunately, as talks with Manchester United didn’t reach an agreement, Forest opted to sign Matt Turner from Arsenal, leaving Palace as the likely destination for Henderson.
The two clubs have been discussing a loan-to-buy arrangement, but as per the Daily Mail, they remain at an impasse over the cost.
Palace looks set to part ways with their Spanish goalkeeper Vicente Guaita before the closing of the transfer window. Having lost his spot to Sam Johnstone, Guaita openly expressed his frustration on social media.
Responding to a tweet from Palace’s official account on the season’s opening day against Sheffield United, where he was omitted from the team sheet, Guaita questioned, “Where is my name? So how can I play for Palace?”
Since being left out, Johnstone managed a clean sheet against Sheffield United, although he later conceded Arsenal’s winning penalty on Monday, fouling Eddie Nketiah in the box.
Should Henderson make the move to Selhurst Park, it would mark the end of his 12-year association with Manchester United, where he’s been loaned to five clubs including Forest, Sheffield United, Stockport County, Grimsby Town, and Shrewsbury Town.
Henderson’s record at United includes 13 clean sheets in 29 matches and a brief usurpation of David de Gea’s position in the 2020-21 season. However, De Gea reclaimed his spot, and following his departure, Andre Onana has become Erik ten Hag’s first-choice goalkeeper.
As Henderson’s departure seems imminent, Manchester United have reportedly conducted medical examinations on Fenerbahce’s Altay Bayindir, potentially available for a mere €5million, provided that scans of a back injury are satisfactory.
There’s also been speculation regarding a move for Benfica’s out-of-favour goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, following a disagreement with manager Roger Schmidt.
As for Henderson’s immediate future, it appears that he will likely be relegated to the bench when his former loan club Forest visit Old Trafford to face Manchester United in their upcoming Premier League fixture on Saturday.
