Hearts have announced the loan signing of Manchester United goalkeeper Joel Pereira.
The Portuguese stopper was never going to get near the United senior side this term. The Red Devils have opted to send him out on loan for some more minutes at a senior level.
Craig Levein’s side are in need of a goalkeeper, with both Zdenek Zlamal and Colin Doyle’s performances splitting opinion.
Some Hearts fans have reacted to the announcement.
https://twitter.com/RJBorthwick/status/1161250499510853633
https://twitter.com/RobSimmons22/status/1161239192023785472
Manchester United stopper Pereira will likely be Hearts’ number one
The Portuguese stopper’s contract expires next summer. He really needs to perform this season if he wants to put himself in with a chance of extending his United deal.
This will be his fifth loan. He’ll be 24 next summer, so the Red Devils keeper really isn’t a youngster anymore. Pereira still has excellent potential but is yet to truly realise it. Perhaps it’s Tynecastle where he’ll show what he’s made of.
United wouldn’t be sending him to Gorgie if they didn’t think he would play. It’s highly possible he could make his debut on Friday night against Motherwell in League Cup action.
Jambos keeper Zlamal has been the subject of criticism from fans lately. A few mistakes during the course of this season alone have lead to many calling for him to be dropped.
Doyle’s just been handed a new Hearts deal, but Levein hasn’t installed the Irishman as his number one since his clanger against Motherwell back in February.
Hearts need a solid goalkeeper and Pereira fits the bill. Everyone involved will hope this is a beneficial loan spell for the 23-year-old.