Confirmed by Fabrizio Romano but not yet announced by the club, Manchester United have made their first transfer of the January transfer window with Jack Butland coming on a six-month loan from Crystal Palace.
The England international passed his medical on Thursday and signed an initial six-month loan with the option to make it permanent at the end of the season.
He may not be the glamorous signing fans wanted, but he fills an important gap in the squad.
The wheels were turned when Newcastle United decided to withdraw Martin Dubravka from his United loan spell. He had made two appearances for the Red Devils, both in the EFL Cup.
Erik ten Hag had made it abundantly clear that he wanted to compete for places in all first-team spots and with Dubravka’s departure, United were left with only Tom Heaton as their backup.
Butland has plenty of experience as a Premier League goalkeeper, playing extensively for Stoke City and even representing the Three Lions nine times.
Fans may remember that he traveled with his country to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where he served as a backup to Jordan Pickford.
He arrived at Crystal Palace in 2020 and served as a backup to Vincent Guaita.
But he was deemed to be above the requirements at Palace, with Guaita taking the starting job for the team and former Manchester United academy product Sam Johnstone available as a backup.
Now Butland will try and do everything possible to put maximum pressure on David de Gea and try to gain minutes on the pitch. The FA Cup tie against Everton is likely to be too soon for him.
He even admitted in 2017 that playing for United was one of his dreams and it’s great to see him finally achieving that longed for goal.
The official announcement from the club confirming the deal is expected today, according to Romano.
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