Manchester United have signed Argentina international Sergio Romero on a three-year deal with an option to a further 12 months as a result of uncertainty lingering over David de Gea’s future.
Romero, 28, joins on a free contract after being released by Serie A side Sampdoria at the end of last season and is Louis van Gaal’s fifth signing of the summer.
The Argentina shot-stopper came through the ranks at Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar during Van Gaal’s four-year stint at the club a decade ago and he is delighted to be linking up with the Dutchman once more.
“I am absolutely delighted to join Manchester United. To play for the biggest club in the world is a dream come true for me. Louis van Gaal is a fantastic manager and I cannot wait to get started on this new and exciting challenge in my career,” he told United’s official website.
Van Gaal’s decision to sign another goalkeeper of international class only mounts further uncertainty over De Gea’s future.
The Spaniard has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer and is widely tipped to make the move, if not this window, then next summer on a free when his contract expires and Van Gaal admits he is planning for his departure.
“I think that in our circumstances, with the threat over David de Gea is going to Real Madrid, we have to prepare our season and I think Sergio Romero can fulfil that because you have to handle very quickly when it may happen with David de Gea," the United manager said.
Romero has been capped more than 60 times for his country, playing every minute of Argentina’s run to the Copa America final last month, but has only managed a combined 10 league starts in the last two years at Sampdoria and Monaco.
For more stats on Sergio Romero, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
