David Raya, the 27-year-old goalkeeper for Brentford, has caught the attention of Manchester United and Tottenham. The Spanish international has become one of the most sought-after goalkeepers in the Premier League due to his impressive displays for Brentford. Raya is keen on a challenge and has turned down two contract offers to stay with the Bees. His current deal expires at the end of next season, and the club is now lining up a move for his potential replacement, Dutch international keeper Mark Flekken.
Flekken, who plays for Freiburg, has had an outstanding campaign, helping the Black Forest minnows go fourth in Germany’s Bundesliga. He has won four caps since making his senior Holland debut last year. Flekken built his career with lower-league German clubs Alemannia Aachen, Greuther Furth, and MSV Duisburg before Freiburg signed him in 2018. Freiburg wants to offer the Enschede-born keeper a new deal, with a release clause higher than the £11.44million in his existing contract.
Freiburg sporting director Klemens Hartenbach said: “We don’t want to leave things until May. We want to clarify Mark’s situation so we can make definite plans.” This is a boost for United and Spurs as Brentford will be more willing to do business without running the risk of being short in the vital position. The west Londoners’ scouting system has consistently seen them find top-quality players missed by their big-spending rivals. And Flekken could now become the latest little-known capture to shine under Thomas Frank at the GTech Community Stadium.
Raya has been impressive for Brentford this season, making 28 appearances and keeping 10 clean sheets. He has been instrumental in helping Brentford reach the Championship playoff final, where they will face Swansea City. Raya’s performances have not gone unnoticed, and Manchester United and Tottenham are both keen on signing him this summer.
Manchester United is in the market for a new goalkeeper as they look to provide competition for David de Gea. The Spanish international has been the club’s number one for several years, but his form has dipped in recent seasons. Dean Henderson has been given a chance to impress this season, but he has not been able to displace de Gea as the club’s first-choice keeper. Raya could provide the competition that de Gea needs to improve his form.
Tottenham is also in the market for a new goalkeeper as they look to replace Hugo Lloris. The French international has been the club’s number one for several years, but his form has dipped in recent seasons. Joe Hart has been brought in as a backup, but he is not seen as a long-term solution. Raya could provide the stability that Tottenham needs in goal.
Raya started his career at Blackburn Rovers, where he made 108 appearances before joining Brentford in 2019. He has been a key player for Brentford since his arrival, helping them reach the Championship playoff final last season. Raya is known for his shot-stopping ability and his distribution, which makes him an ideal fit for Manchester United and Tottenham.
In conclusion, David Raya has become one of the most sought-after goalkeepers in the Premier League due to his impressive displays for Brentford. Manchester United and Tottenham are both keen on signing him this summer, and his potential replacement, Dutch international keeper Mark Flekken, could be on his way to Brentford. Raya could provide the competition that de Gea needs to improve his form at Manchester United, while he could provide the stability that Tottenham needs in goal.