Sergio Romero has joined Manchester United on a free transfer from Sampdoria and has signed a three-year deal with the option to extend for a further year.
United boss Louis van Gaal believes that the 28-year-old can replace Victor Valdes, who did not travel with the rest of his team on their tour in the United States and refused to play for the club’s reserve side. Van Gaal has reportedly given him the okay to leave.
The Dutch manager also believes that Romero could be United’s no. 1 should David De Gea, whose contract expires in a year, leave for Real Madrid.
“With the threat that David De Gea is going to Real Madrid, we had to prepare our season,” said Van Gaal.
“I think Sergio Romero can fulfil that because you have to handle quickly what may happen with David De Gea. I think he is a very good choice.”
The Argentinian goalkeeper previously worked under Van Gaal when he joined AZ Alkmaar in 2007, and he helped the club win the Eredivisie title in 2008-09.
And Van Gaal is yet again confident in his decision to sign Romero, as he stated on United’s official website:
“Sergio is a very talented goalkeeper. He was a young keeper during my time at AZ Alkmaar and I am delighted he is joining Manchester United.
“He had a fantastic World Cup last summer in Brazil, although that is something I have put to the back of my mind!
“He will be a great addition to the team and I am looking forward to working with him once again.”
Romero also stated that he looks forward to playing for the red Devils and to have joined “the biggest club in the world” is a “dream come true.”
The Argentinian shot-stopper is United’s fifth signing of the season following Matteo Darmian, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin, and Memphis Depay.
