According to the Manchester Evening News, Ajax is interested in signing Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson on loan when the transfer window reopens next month.
With David de Gea in superb form, the England international has only made one competitive appearance for the Red Devils this season.
Ajax appears interested in signing the 24-year-old on a short-term loan deal ahead of the New Year, with their chief executive and former United star Edwin van der Sar being a fan of his extraordinary talent.
Due to a doping ban, the Dutch giants started the season without Andre Onana. In August, Maarten Stekelenburg, the backup option, had a season-ending hip injury. Remko Pasveer of Vitesse was eventually recruited. So far for Ajax, the 38-year-old has started 17 games. Onana is currently available, although he will be departing soon.
Between March and May, Henderson enjoyed a steady run of games, but he was passed over for the Europa League final in favor of De Gea. After failing to save any of the 11 penalties in the shootout loss to Villarreal, the latter faced a lot of flak from fans.
Henderson appeared to be on his way to becoming the new number one this season, but his season was derailed by COVID-19. Since then, he has been unable to unseat De Gea, who has produced multiple outstanding performances and has single-handedly gained points for the team.
In the process, the Spaniard has also saved a pair of penalties, and the 31-year-old now appears to be the unquestioned starter in goal.
When United faces Young Boys in the final Champions League group stage match tomorrow, Henderson is set to receive his chance. However, it seems unlikely that De Gea will be replaced anytime soon, and a loan move for Henderson at the start of the year could be ideal.
With the World Cup coming up next winter, Henderson needs to be performing at a high level on a regular basis in order to keep his position in the England squad.
With Onana’s contract set to expire next summer, Ajax may be interested in signing Henderson to a long-term deal. United has no plans to move Henderson at the moment, but towards the end of the season, they may have to make a huge choice about his future.
As a third-choice goalkeeper, they presently have Tom Heaton, an experienced shot-stopper. It’s unclear whether Henderson will be loaned out.
