Much of the conversation around Manchester United’s squad rebuild continues to centre on the goalkeeper position.
Despite it appearing that Andre Onana will remain between the sticks next season, some fans remain unconvinced the Cameroonian is the long-term answer.
His struggles last season left doubts that haven’t fully disappeared.
Questions continue to persist over whether competition or even a new No.1 might still be needed.
Monaco had made contact for Onana, although interest has very much cooled down since.
The club were briefly linked with several options this summer as potential cover.
Vanja Milinkovic-Savic being one of them – although he chose to sign for Napoli.
No moves for any other goalkeeper have advanced so far, much to the disappointment of fans.
That ongoing uncertainty has also brought back memories of some of United’s past goalkeeper pursuits – including one familiar name who has now made a move elsewhere.
NEC Nijmegen have today officially announced the signing of Jasper Cillessen on a one-year contract, as confirmed on the Dutch club’s official website.
The 35-year-old returns to his boyhood club after over a decade away, having represented Ajax, Barcelona, Valencia and most recently Las Palmas in La Liga.
Cillessen was twice strongly linked with a move to Manchester United – first in 2015, when Louis van Gaal targeted him as a potential David de Gea replacement.
Before being targeted again in 2019, while at Barcelona amid fresh doubts over De Gea’s future.
NEC’s director of football Carlos Aalbers said:
“Jasper not only brings a lot of experience and quality, but also knows the club culture like no other.
“After Robin’s departure, we needed someone who could adapt quickly.
“As well as someone who is quickly available and a valuable addition to N.E.C.
“Jasper ticks all that and is of great value to us, both on and off the field.”
He joins immediately and will work under new head coach Dick Schreuder for the 2025-26 campaign.
