Sergio Romero has joined Manchester United on a free transfer from Sampdoria.

Romero is expected to be the No. 2 goalkeeper with Víctor Valdés, who has fallen out with the manager Louis Van Gaal, set to leave the club.

Romero, 28, has 62 caps and may be a challenger for the No. 1 jersey should David de Gea leave for Real Madrid.

“I think that in our circumstances, with the threat that David de Gea is going to Real Madrid, we have to prepare our season and I think Sergio Romero can fulfil that because you have to handle very quickly when it may happen with David de Gea,” Van Gaal said.

“I am absolutely delighted to join Manchester United,” said Romero. “To play for the biggest club in the world is a dream come true. Louis van Gaal is a fantastic manager and I cannot wait to get started on this new and exciting challenge in my career.”