Manchester United have slapped a £40m price tag on Dean Henderson amid interest from Tottenham and Newcastle United, according to The Daily Star.
What’s the latest Newcastle United transfer news?
Despite Martin Dubravka enjoying a strong campaign for Newcastle, the club are seemingly constantly linked with signing a new goalkeeper.
Now, clearly, that doesn’t necessarily mean Dubravka will be replaced, although that department has been highlighted as an area in which recruitment staff are looking to strengthen during the first summer of the PIF ownership. Lazio’s Thomas Strakosha has been touted as a target, while this report suggests Newcastle attempted to sign Henderson during the January window.
Indeed, it is also said that decision-makers on Tyneside told those at Old Trafford they would relaunch their interest in the 25-year-old this summer.
Despite a distinct lack of game-time, however, Henderson is reportedly valued at £40m, a fee that would make him the most expensive British goalkeeper of all-time.
How do Dubravka and Henderson compare?
Henderson’s distribution has often been praised throughout his career and, looking at some of his passing statistics during the 2020-21 campaign, it’s easy to see why.
Using FBREF data to compare them to Dubravka’s this season, the one-cap England international looks far more adept on that particular front. On a per-game basis, he averaged a much higher average pass completion rate (75.2% to 64.9%) as well as averaging more defensive actions outside of his penalty box (1.12 to 0.30), potentially allowing Eddie Howe to deploy a higher defensive line should he join.
While not to compare Henderson to the likes of Alisson Becker or Ederson in terms of consistent quality, the vast improvement they’ve offered Liverpool and Manchester City respectively show just how transformative signing that kind of modern goalkeeper can be. Arsenal, meanwhile, were mocked in some circles for paying big money for Aaron Ramsdale but he’s also had a profound impact on their team.
It’s not to suggest that Henderson is a better ‘keeper than Dubravka per se, it’s just that he would perhaps offer a more modern approach.
What has been said about Dean Henderson and Newcastle?
Writing on Twitter last month, noted transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed: “Newcastle are interested in Dean Henderson since last January, he’s always been one of three goalkeepers in the list for NUFC.
“Man United will make a decision about Dean in the summer whether let him go on loan or not. He wants to play as starter next season.”
What has been said about Dean Henderson’s style of play?
Speaking to BBC Sport in May 2021, former Grimsby Town manager Marcus Bignot spoke about Henderson’s loan spell there in 2016-17.
“He could cover across the goal line quickly”, he said.
“He could cover top angles very well. His agility, his plyometrics, his ability on the ball. He’d probably tell you he was one of the best outfield players as well! He had the organisation, he had the communication skills, he commanded his box.
“He backed up everything he said. He’s very much an extrovert. As well as his performances, his character and personality really stood out. He just went in and took the reins straightaway. He kicked us on to another level.”
