Bharath Rammr
Manchester United are extremely relaxed about the contract situation of goalkeeper David de Gea, as they are about to activate the option of one additional year in his contract, as per the reports from the Sun. The 26-year-old has been a long-time transfer target for Real Madrid, and the Galacticos still haven’t given up the pursuit of the player. His Atletico Madrid connection was a major factor in Madrid not entering in the race to sign the player when he was first available. He moved to United for £18 million and became one of the world’s most expensive goalkeepers in the process.
Even though he initially struggled at Old Trafford, he has certainly proved a more than a value for his extravagant transfer fee. David de Gea is now widely considered as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and probably the best in the Premier League. Madrid are set to make a move for the 26-year-old once again in the summer transfer window. January may not be a good time to open negotiations for such a top-quality signing like De Gea. Hence, they are preparing an offer which will be in the region of £200,000 per week.
There is every possibility that De Gea could be tempted by such an offer, although he would be receiving even far bigger wages if he decides to move to the Chinese Super League. Madrid are certainly motivated by the fact that De Gea only has less than two years left on his contract. His current deal expires in the summer of 2019 making him vulnerable. Manchester United, though, have a secret weapon and that is the option of an additional year, which they are free to take at any time. This would extend De Gea’s stay at Old Trafford until the summer of 2020.
De Gea has been at United since 2011. He is at a time when most Spanish players try to look for an opportunity to return to their homeland. His last contract with the Red Devils was signed back in the summer of 2015. It is highly unlikely that he may be willing to open negotiations at this stage in this season. If his head is turned by a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, he may not be ready to get involved in negotiations in the first place.
Yet, it is rumoured that even Manchester United are considering the possibility of making De Gea the best-paid goalkeeper in the Premier League by offering him a deal to match that of Real Madrid’s offer. Even during the difficult times, De Gea has been one of the consistent players for Manchester United and he may just be rewarded with a new bumper deal.
