Manchester United is reportedly targeting Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel, according to information from *Footballwave*. The 29-year-old has emerged as one of Serie A’s top goalkeepers and has recently earned a regular place in Italy’s national team.
Provedel has caught attention this season not only for his goalkeeping skills but also for an exceptional feat—scoring a goal as a goalkeeper on the world stage. His standout moment came during the Champions League group stage when he headed in a 96th-minute equalizer to help Lazio secure a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid.
This crucial goal was instrumental in helping Lazio advance to the tournament’s round of 16. Remarkably, this was only the third instance in Champions League history where a goalkeeper scored from open play.
This wasn’t the first time Provedel showcased his ability to score. Back in 2020, while on loan at Juve Stabia, he netted a late equalizer against Ascoli. Interestingly, Provedel initially began his football career as a striker, scoring 27 goals as a youth player for Pordenone during the 2008/09 season before transitioning to the goalkeeper position.
Manchester United’s reported interest in Provedel suggests they may be looking to bolster their goalkeeping options. Despite the club having a reputation for strong ball-playing goalkeepers, signing Provedel would introduce a unique skillset, given his ability to score.
However, Lazio’s valuation of Provedel, reportedly around €35 million, could be a stumbling block for United, particularly in the upcoming January transfer window. A move may be more feasible during the summer window, should they choose to revisit the option.
The speculation comes at a time when current United goalkeeper Andre Onana has faced mounting criticism. Onana, who was signed from Inter Milan for €51 million (plus €4 million in bonuses), arrived with high expectations after a successful campaign with Inter, where he led the Champions League in clean sheets and earned praise for his distribution.
However, his performances at Old Trafford have been underwhelming, with several high-profile errors, particularly in defeats to Galatasaray and Bayern Munich, drawing frustration from fans and pundits alike.
Manchester United has been struggling this season, falling behind in the Premier League and already being knocked out of both European competitions and the League Cup.
The potential signing of Provedel could signify the club’s intent to strengthen critical positions and reestablish itself as a competitive force across all competitions when the transfer window reopens. This could provide a fresh start for United as they aim to rebuild after a disappointing season so far.
