The Week In Goalkeeping: Premier League Clubs Eye Kobel, Amorim's Goalkeeper Coach Dig At Rashford, And New Signings Across Leagues

By Harry Salkeld

News • Feb 2, 2025

The Week In Goalkeeping: Premier League Clubs Eye Kobel, Amorim's Goalkeeper Coach Dig At Rashford, And New Signings Across Leagues
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A roundup of the top news stories from the goalkeeping world between the 27th of January and 2nd of February.

Chelsea and Manchester United ready to battle it out for Swiss Star

When it comes to goalkeeper news, Chelsea have been in the limelight over the past couple weeks with Robert Sanchez out of form between the sticks. Their main target to replace Sanchez is rumoured to be Dortmund goalkeeper, Gregor Kobel, but Manchester United, where number one Andre Onana has still not fully converted doubters despite a good start to the season, are also reportedly looking to purchase the goalkeeper. Kobel recently played his 100th game for the German giants but could be open for a move to the Premier League. 

Amorim uses goalkeeper coach as dig at Marcus Rashford

The spotlight has been on Marcus Rashford’s future at the Manchester United recently and as a result, gaffer Ruben Amorim has been asked a lot of questions regarding the situation. When Amorim was asked about Rashford’s future in an interview, he said ‘I’d rather pick my goalkeeper coach than half-hearted players.’ The coach he was referring to is Jorge Vital, who is 63 years old. Amorim’s comment was a shock to many, but he’s seemed to have got his wish as Rashford joined Aston Villa late on Sunday evening. 

Watford recruit goalkeeper from Udinese to fill in for injured Bachmann

The last day of January saw Watford bring in goalkeeper Egil Selvik from 'sister club' Udinese for an undisclosed fee.

The 28 year old Norwegian  had only recently joined Udinese from Haugesund, where he made 120 appearances, but has now agreed a three and a half year deal at Vicarage Road.

Selvik made his first Norway start against Scotland in November 2023 and has so far won four international caps. Hornets' boss Tom Cleverly admitted he had a selection dilemma on his hands between Selvik and Jonathan Bond, who ‘never lets anyone down.’ 

Szczesny overtakes Pena to become Barcelona number one

“Inaki [Pena] is our number one goalkeeper and I’m happy with him,” Barcelona manager Hansi Flick  said on September 25, a few days after Marc-Andre Ter Stegen was seriously injured. Flick’s comment that day has aged like milk. Despite this statement, Flick felt he needed an experienced goalkeeper at his disposal considering how reliant his team is reliant on youth. One Wojciech Szczesny came out of retirement to join Flick’s side the following month. After being late to a training session at the start of the year, Pena was dropped for Barcelona's Copa Del Rey game against Barbastro. 

He was then benched again for the club's Super Cup semi-final against Basque side, Athletic Club. Pena played the next three games but found himself back on the bench on two crucial Champions League nights. Szczesny was seen with a grin stretching from ear to ear after Barca finished second in the Champions League league phase on Wednesday night. 

On Saturday, Flick said of the goalkeeper: ‘At the moment it’s like that, (he) is number one.’

Barnsley sign Villa goalkeeper on loan

Aston Villa goalkeeper Joe Gauci has pen to paper on a loan deal to replace Gabriel Slonina at Barnsley. The Aussie joined the Villains a year ago but has only featured in cup games behind one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Emi Martinez. Upon joining Barnsley, Gauci said ‘This is a brilliant opportunity for myself to come and get some experience in English football, as well be here to help the club gain promotion and get back in the Championship.’

Middlesbrough bring in Premier League goalkeeper

Middlesbrough have secured the loan signing of Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers, with first-team goalkeepers Sol Brynn and Seny Dieng ruled out with injury. 

Travers, 25, joins the Championship club for the rest of the season, having played five games in the Premier League for the Cherries in the campaign to date and having won promotion with the south coast side in 2021/22.  

The 25 year old will be available to make his Boro debut in the Tees-Wear derby on Monday against Sunderland.


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