Manchester United is reportedly considering a move for Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel, according to sources from Footballwave. The 29-year-old has become one of Serie A’s top goalkeepers, securing his place in Italy’s national squad due to his outstanding performances.
Provedel’s ascent this season has been remarkable, not just for his shot-stopping abilities but also for his unique achievement as a goalkeeper—scoring a goal in a major competition. His standout moment came during the Champions League group stage when he scored a last-minute equalizer against Atletico Madrid.
This incredible 96th-minute header helped Lazio earn a 1-1 draw, allowing them to advance to the round of 16. Provedel became only the third goalkeeper in Champions League history to score from open play, highlighting his exceptional talent.
This wasn’t Provedel’s first foray into scoring; he also made headlines in 2020 while on loan at Juve Stabia, where he netted a late equalizer against Ascoli. His scoring ability can be traced back to his early days as a striker; during the 2008/09 season with Pordenone’s youth team, he scored 27 goals before making the switch to goalkeeper.
Manchester United’s interest in Provedel suggests they may be looking to revamp their goalkeeping lineup. Although they currently have Andre Onana, who is recognized for his skills with the ball at his feet, Provedel’s rare ability to score could provide an additional advantage for the team.
However, Lazio’s asking price of around €35 million may present a hurdle for United, especially with the January transfer window approaching. The club might decide to delay any potential move until the summer.
Andre Onana, who joined Manchester United from Inter Milan for €51 million (plus €4 million in bonuses), has struggled to meet expectations at Old Trafford. Although he performed exceptionally well with Inter, leading the Champions League in clean sheets and earning praise for his distribution, Onana has faced criticism at United, making notable errors in key matches against teams like Galatasaray and Bayern Munich, leading to increasing frustration among fans.
This season has been challenging for Manchester United, with the team falling behind in the Premier League and exiting both European competitions and the League Cup.
The pursuit of Provedel could signal the club’s commitment to addressing their weaknesses and strengthening critical areas as they prepare for the reopening of the transfer window, with the aim of restoring their competitive status in both domestic and international competitions.
