Manchester United are set to remain firm in their stance on David De Gea’s move to Real Madrid. The Red Devils will not sell their Spanish star to the La Liga giants, unless the latter agree to sell Sergio Ramos in return, as reported here by The Guardian.
This is a transfer saga that has gripped fans and foes alike in the summer, and after several reports in the past stating that the deal was all but done, there has now come an unexpected U-turn. United are willing to let De Gea’s deal at Old Trafford expire next summer, after which the goalie can join any club in the world for free.
It was reported only two days ago in reputed Spanish daily AS that United would sell De Gea for €35 million. Louis van Gaal also had a bid of a similar amount rejected for Ramos. Madrid, now managed by former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, are reportedly asking for close to €100 million for their talismanic defender and vice-captain, who has a release clause of €180 million in his contract. It is hardly surprising that United were put off in their attempt, even though the player himself has asked to leave the Santiago Bernabeu, as stated in this report by The Guardian.
De Gea will join his United teammates for their pre-season training on Monday before they embark on a tour of the United States, where they will face the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
In essence, some might say, it would actually be better for United to let De Gea go for a sizeable fee this summer rather than losing him for free next year. But, if anything, this is a staunch message by the Red Devils that they will not buckle under any pressure to sell their best players. The 24 year-old was absolutely outstanding last season between the sticks, and was named in the Premier League Team of the Year. He also won both United’s Players’ Player of the Year and Fans’ Player of the Year awards.
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