Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea was close to sealing his dream move to Real Madrid last summer. On the final day of the summer transfer deadline, the deal broke off, courtesy Madrid’s fax machine that failed to register the transfer details within the stipulated time frame.
De Gea signed a new United deal shortly after his move to Madrid collapsed. Although there are high chances that the world class Spaniard could still return to his hometown this season but at least United can command a high transfer fee, thanks to his new long-term deal.
According to Spanish publication, AS De Gea has a clause in his contract that allows Madrid to sign him for €50m, but Los Blancos need to complete his signature within June 15, 2016. Should Madrid fail to sign within this period, United will be entitled to put any price tag they feel right for their 2015-16 player of the year.
Florentino Perez, the Real Madrid president is a big fan of De Gea and sees him as an ideal figure to replace club legend, Iker Casillas. The problem is signing a new goalkeeper is not Madrid’s first priority next summer, especially at a time when Keylor Navas (29) has had a fantastic campaign for his side. Second choice goalkeeper Kiko Casilla (29) has been equally good when given a chance. Signing De Gea is, therefore, a luxury for Madrid; the money could be used elsewhere.
AS running a front page splash on DDG. #MUFC are obliged to sell for €50m if #RMCF make an offer before 15th June. pic.twitter.com/sppXZvLRjp
— Liam Canning (@OffsideLiam) May 16, 2016
Last summer, Madrid paid United around €30m for De Gea, while United are willing to pay €15m for Navas. So, basically, Madrid would have signed De Gea for €15m. At that time, De Gea had only a year contract left with United, but now Madrid have to pay €35m more to sign him.
Perez continues to believe that De Gea is the one for the future and want him to see playing in the iconic white shirt. However, the 25-year-old’s contract situation has forced him to look for alternatives elsewhere. Recently, Madrid have turned their attention to Thibaut Courtois, who has hinted of leaving Chelsea this summer.
Navas has emerged as a top goalkeeper and he is loved at the Bernabeu. Madrid fans would certainly not accept his departure so easily and fans may not happily welcome a part-exchange deal for De Gea with Navas moving the other way. The Costa Rican goalkeeper remains United’s first choice target should De Gea leave while Atletico’s Jan Oblak, Bayern’s Manuel Neuer and Barcelona’s Ter Stegen are also seen as possible alternatives.
De Gea wants to join Madrid. He is reportedly unhappy with the prospect of another season without Champions League football at United. James Ducker notes in his column for the Telegraph:
“Arguably the best goalkeeper in the world, De Gea is unhappy at the prospect of a second season in three without Champions League football is thought to be one of a number of players who will consider their futures should Van Gaal stay.”
However, United’s hopes of keeping the Spaniard will be boosted if Jose Mourinho takes charge at the club this summer as De Gea and the former Chelsea boss are represented by the same agent, Jorge Mendes.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
