Manchester United completes another goalkeeper signing! Left-back target confirmed, La Liga star may cost only €15 million

Manchester United is close to completing the transfer of Derby County goalkeeper Charlie Hardy from the Championship. Once the Premier League grants the joining approval, Hardy will sign a scholarship deal with United. The club started working on Hardy’s acquisition before the summer transfer deadline, and the procedure is almost finished.

At 16, Hardy played for Derby County’s U18 side last season and is part of England’s U16 team. When he was just 14, Hardy was already included in Derby’s U18 matchday squad, facing Manchester United at the time. By age 15, the English goalkeeper had made his debut representing the U18s.

This Thursday, Hardy confirmed on social media his farewell to Derby County: “After nearly a decade at Derby County, it’s time for a new chapter. I’ve spent an incredible 9 years here and want to thank everyone at the club who supported me throughout this journey, helping me become the player and person I am today. I’m very grateful for every moment at the club and for my teammates. Wishing the club and everyone all the best for the future.”

Hardy will join Manchester United’s U18 squad, currently managed by club legend Darren Fletcher, who leads the Premier League U18 table unbeaten and without conceding a goal. Scholarship agreements are typically offered by clubs to promising youngsters as a precursor to professional contracts, which they can sign once they turn 17.

However, United’s academy goalkeepers rarely get first-team chances. The closest was Dean Henderson, who ultimately didn’t fulfill his dream of becoming United’s number one. Currently, Tom Heaton, the third-choice keeper under manager Amrabat, also came through the Carrington academy but had to move to other clubs to establish himself before returning to make his senior debut at Old Trafford.

Manchester United also has a promising young goalkeeper, Radek Vitek, a 21-year-old Czech keeper who has recently been loaned out and is now playing for Bristol City in the Championship. Bristol City currently sits third in the league with 3 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in 6 matches. Vitek has started and played full matches in all games and is a fan favorite.

According to British media, although United signed 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Senna Lamens in the summer window, Amrabat may still look to buy another goalkeeper next year. He wants an experienced keeper who can immediately take the starting spot. Additionally, a right wing-back is reportedly another target for the Red Devils, with the transfer team scouting suitable candidates. Jon Aramburu from La Liga’s Real Sociedad is said to be a target.

Manchester United currently has two right-backs, Diogo Dalot and Mazraoui, but both are better suited to a back four formation, which doesn’t fit Amrabat’s 3-4-3 system. Amrabat once hoped to convert right winger Amad Diallo into a right wing-back, but his attacking strengths and defensive weaknesses make that impossible against strong teams.

Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that Manchester United scouts are closely monitoring Jon Aramburu, the 23-year-old Venezuelan international whose contract runs until 2030. However, Spanish media claim Real Sociedad’s asking price starts at €15 million. Aramburu can play right-back, right midfield, and left-back, and his versatility suits Amrabat’s requirements.

Since Amrabat took charge at Manchester United, he has signed three forwards, two left-backs, and one goalkeeper. Next year, the club is expected to buy two midfielders, one right-back, one center-back, and one goalkeeper.