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With the summer transfer window set to open on the 9th of June, clubs will look to dip into the market to improve their squads ahead of the 2020-21 season.
Historically, top European clubs have shown an affinity towards signing attackers for big-money fees over other positions on the pitch. Scoring goals is an incredibly difficult task, due to which they have often cost a lot of money.
In fact, eight of the ten most expensive transfers ever conducted in football have been forwards. Paul Pogba and Philippe Coutinho are the only two exceptions, with the latter also being a largely attack-oriented player.
However, players from other positions on the pitch have begun to rise in value over the last decade or so, especially due to some clubs transfer activities. In the last four years alone, clubs have spent a fee of €80m or higher on central defenders. This has led to defenders being sold for higher prices all across Europe.
While goalkeepers weren't such expensive commodities to purchase in the past, even their values have soared massively in the last few years. Gianluigi Buffon remained the world's most expensive goalkeeper (in Euros) for 17 years as Juventus paid €52.88m to acquire him in 2001.
This was, however, until his record was broken twice in the span of a few weeks in 2018. Liverpool signed Alisson Becker in July of that year for €62.5m, and just over three weeks later, Chelsea signed Kepa Arrizabalaga for €80m.
This summer, a fair few goalkeepers have been linked with transfers ahead of the summer window for one reason or another. While some hope to move to a bigger club, others want to secure more playing time or just want a new challenge. On that note, here is a look at five goalkeepers who could be on the move in the 2021 transfer window.
#5 Gianluigi Buffon | Juventus
Kicking off this list is a straightforward choice in Gianluigi Buffon, who has already spoken of his desire to part ways with Juventus. The iconic goalkeeper is one of the greatest players in the history of the Bianconeri and the Italian national side. He's appeared 685 times for Juventus and has 176 caps for the Azzurri.
Speaking after Juventus' Coppa Italia victory last month, Buffon announced;
"We have reached the end of a cycle and so it is right for me to take my leave. This beautiful and very long experience with Juve will come to a definitive end this year."
The 43-year-old World Cup winner is yet to decide on his next club, but he has had several offers from all across Europe at the time of writing. Buffon reportedly has offers from the likes of Barcelona, Parma, and other clubs. Serie A's record appearance holder has not ruled out the possibility of retiring either, so his future is currently up in the air.
#4 Jan Oblak | Atletico Madrid
There is little doubt over Jan Oblak's status as one of the best shot-stoppers in world football. The Slovenian played an influential role in helping Atletico Madrid win LaLiga Santander in 2020-21, reiterating himself as one of the best in the world.
While neither the club nor the player have expressed a pressing desire to part ways, there have been reports claiming a move could be on the cards. The record five-time Zamora Trophy winner is reportedly the subject of interest from Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain. Oblak himself responded to this speculation by saying;
"I do not see the future. But neither the club [Atletico Madrid], nor me, nor anyone else can do it. It’ll depend on the issues of how the club are, if they need to sell a player or not. There are many things in this."
Rumours have also suggested that Manchester United could look to sign Oblak by offering David de Gea in return. With two years left on his contract at the Wanda Metropolitano, it remains to be seen if he remains at the club this summer.
Also read: 5 Most valuable players at UEFA Euro 2020
#3 Bernd Leno | Arsenal
Bernd Leno has had a mixed spell since moving to the Emirates from Germany. He suits the philosophy of playing out from the back as he's comfortable with the ball at his feet. However, The German has also had a fair few moments he won't look back on fondly. While the 29-year-old himself has stated that he is happy at the club, reports have claimed that he could be one of the several outgoings this summer.
Arsenal have also begun looking for alternatives, with Freddie Woodman of Newcastle being one of the options they're considering. If Leno does leave, however, they might have to replace him with a more experienced goalkeeper for the number one spot. He is currently contracted to the club until 2023.
Arsenal paid €25m to sign Leno from Bayer Leverkusen, and he's gone on to make 117 appearances across all competitions for the Gunners.
#2 Gianluigi Donnarumma | AC Milan
What a phenomenal player Gianluigi Donnarumma is. The towering AC Milan star has made an astonishing 251 appearances for the club across all competitions at just 22 years of age. He's gone from strength to strength since breaking onto the scene as a teenager and built up his reputation as one of the best young goalkeepers in the world.
Donnarumma's superb displays in the 2020-21 campaign were recognised by Serie A as he was crowned the best goalkeeper in the league. However, he has played his last game in an AC Milan shirt as he is set for an exit on a free transfer. The Mino Raiola-represented star has rejected several contract extension offers from the Rossoneri.
The most telling factor in this long, drawn-out saga is AC Milan's recent purchase of Mike Maignan from Lille. It has been confirmed that Donnarumma is set to leave the club. Fortunately, there is no shortage of suitors as the likes of Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain are in the running for his signature.
#1 David de Gea | Manchester United
David de Gea has endured a difficult spell at Manchester United over the last few years. Once heralded as one of the finest goalkeepers in world football, the Spain international has had a stark fall-off. He's been culpable of his fair share of goalkeeping errors in crucial moments and has, more recently, lost his place to Dean Henderson in the starting XI.
There are a couple of reasons why De Gea could be on the move this summer. For starters, if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does indeed view Henderson as his long-term, it would mean that the Red Devils' highest earner is their second-choice keeper. He is currently on a salary in excess of £350,000-a-week, which could be used elsewhere if he isn't considered a guaranteed first-teamer.
Another important factor to consider is how the 30-year-old perceives the current predicament. If De Gea remains at the club for another year and Henderson is preferred over him, it could have ramifications on his value. More importantly, with the 2022 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, De Gea could even lose his place to the likes of Unai Simon due to a lack of first-team football.
With two years left on his massive deal, both the club and the player have a big decision to make in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Also read: 5 Footballers who don't go by their real names
