Manchester United Eye Lazio’s Ivan Provedel as a Potential Goalkeeping Solution
Manchester United has reportedly set their sights on acquiring Lazio’s standout goalkeeper, Ivan Provedel, according to information from Footballden. The 29-year-old Italian shot-stopper has been a revelation in Serie A, earning praise for his impressive performances between the posts. His consistent displays have not only solidified his reputation as one of the top goalkeepers in Italy but also earned him a regular spot in Italy’s national team.
Provedel’s growing prominence on the international stage is no surprise to those who have followed his career closely. This season, however, he has gained even more attention for a rather unique reason – his ability to score goals. In a remarkable turn of events, Provedel etched his name into football history during the Champions League group stage, where he scored a dramatic 96th-minute equalizer in Lazio’s 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid. This last-gasp goal proved to be pivotal, helping Lazio secure a crucial point and advance to the tournament’s knockout stages. It was only the third time in Champions League history that a goalkeeper had scored from open play, further cementing Provedel’s status as the most prominent goalscoring goalkeeper in the world this season.
But this isn’t the first time Provedel has showcased his scoring prowess. Back in 2020, while on loan at Juve Stabia, he made headlines by scoring a late equalizer against Ascoli, proving that his ability to find the back of the net isn’t just a one-off event. Interestingly, Provedel’s journey to becoming a goalkeeper was far from conventional. He began his footballing career as a striker, where he scored an impressive 27 goals as a teenager for Pordenone’s youth team during the 2008/09 season. It wasn’t until later in his career that he transitioned into the role of a goalkeeper, bringing with him the attacking instincts that have now set him apart in world football.
Manchester United’s reported interest in Provedel suggests the club is seriously considering a shake-up in their goalkeeping department. Currently, they boast Andre Onana, widely regarded as one of the best passing goalkeepers in the world. However, Provedel’s unique ability to score goals from open play presents an intriguing alternative – potentially pitting Onana’s passing prowess against Provedel’s scoring ability in what could be a fascinating competition for the number one jersey at Old Trafford.
Despite United’s interest, securing Provedel’s services won’t come easy. Lazio has reportedly set a hefty price tag of €35 million for the Italian goalkeeper, a figure that could prove to be a stumbling block for United during the upcoming January transfer window. However, the club remains keen on monitoring Provedel’s progress and could revisit the possibility of a transfer in the summer, when they might have more flexibility to negotiate a deal.
This potential move is further fueled by the underwhelming performances of Andre Onana since his €51 million transfer (plus €4 million in bonuses) from Inter Milan. While Onana excelled at Inter, particularly during their Champions League campaign where he led in clean sheets and was lauded for his ball-playing ability, his tenure at Manchester United has been far from smooth. The Cameroonian goalkeeper has struggled to replicate his previous form, with notable errors, especially in the Champions League, contributing to United’s losses against Galatasaray and Bayern Munich. These costly mistakes have raised concerns among fans and pundits alike, with many questioning whether Onana is the long-term solution for United’s goalkeeping needs.
United’s current predicament in the Premier League – where they find themselves lagging behind their rivals – coupled with their early exits from both European competitions and the League Cup, underscores the need for reinforcements. The pursuit of Provedel signals the club’s intent to address weaknesses in key areas, particularly in the goalkeeping department. As the summer transfer window approaches, Manchester United will have a critical opportunity to reassess their squad and make the necessary changes to restore their competitive edge across all competitions.
In Provedel, United may find not only a reliable shot-stopper but also a game-changer capable of making a difference at both ends of the pitch. With the club eager to bounce back from a disappointing season, his signing could be a bold step towards revitalizing
their fortunes.