Joel Pereira: Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho tips backup keeper to become Portugal number 1 … but who is he?
It looks as though Red Devils will hang on to star goalkeeper David de Gea... but could youngster Pereira fill his boots one day?
IT looks as though Manchester United are going hang on to star goalkeeper David de Gea this summer amid strong interest from European Champions Real Madrid.
However, there may come a time in the near future where the former Atletico Madrid keeper’s status as Old Trafford No.1 comes under threat from a young player making waves at United.
Who is Joel Pereira and where does he come from?
The Portugal Under-21 international, who was born in Switzerland and represented the country of his birth up to Under-17 level, signed for United in 2012 from Neuchatel Xamax.
The custodian, who stands at just under 6ft 3ins, was loaned to Rochdale in 2015, making six appearances before returning to United to help their Under-21 side win the U21 Development League title.
A loan to Portuguese Primeira Liga club Belenenses in the first half of last season proved the ideal tonic to help the young player grow and develop.
So much so, in fact, that he is now so highly rated inside Old Trafford that Mourinho believes Pereira is the future of the senior Portuguese national team, having pledged his allegiance to them.
In reference to Real Madrid transfer target de Gea and back-up Sergio Romero, the former Chelsea manager said: "We have two fantastic goalkeepers.
"We have a third goalkeeper that I think will be the best Portuguese goalkeeper of the next generation so anyone in goal I trust completely."
Pereira’s loan spell in the Portuguese top flight was cut short in January when Sam Johnstone was sent to Aston Villa for the remainder of the season.
Upon his return to Manchester, the Portugal youth international became United’s third-choice keeper.
A senior debut came in January, playing 10 minutes at the end of the Red Devils’ 4-0 FA Cup fourth round victory over Wigan Athletic at Old Trafford.
However, just 24 hours later Pereira damaged knee ligaments in an Under-21 tie against Everton, ruling him out of action for several months.
He returned to the senior fray on the last day of the Premier League season, making his Premier League debut for United in a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Pereira wasn’t overly tested between the sticks by the Eagles. But he was tidy and efficient in his work; what he was called upon to do, he did very well.
Moreover, the young keeper exuded the kind of presence inside the penalty area that is a prerequisite of the position for anyone hoping to reach the elite level.
How much will he cost?
Any club looking to steal Pereira away from United, despite his inexperience, will have a fight on their hands.
The young goalkeeper is clearly very well thought of on the red side of Manchester and, while every player has a price, it’s unlikely that the Red Devils would consider his outright sale at this time.
What is his most likely destination?
Amid strong interest from Portuguese champions Benfica, who have sold Ederson to Manchester City in a record £34million deal this summer, United have offered Pereira a bumper new £20,000-per-week contract to keep him at Old Trafford.
However, the possibility of a loan move next season to give the youngster some valuable first-team game time should not be discounted.