31 August 2015. Time was ticking away fast as the transfer deadline grew closer. Manchester United and Real Madrid were trying to work on the finer points of a deal involving De Gea and Keylor Navas. Media outlets were snooping around, both in England and Spain, trying to get a look in.
In the early hours of the 1st of September, the news broke – the two clubs had failed to complete the paperwork on time. The deal had collapsed. David De Gea would have to stay at Manchester United for the time being, and Keylor Navas at Real.
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Real Madrid duly released a statement explaining how they had done everything in their power to make sure the deal went through, blaming United for the delay. United responded with a strongly worded statement that placed the ball back in Madrid's court.
We might never know who really was responsible; in any case, United were quick to insist that they were happy to keep De Gea.
The Spanish goalkeeper's future has been the subject of transfer speculations ever since. The summer of 2017 is no different – yet here are 5 reasons why De Gea will not leave Manchester United this summer.
#1 He is comfortable and well settled
A week after the transfer debacle, De Gea signed a new four-year contract with Manchester United, with an option to extend it for a further year. He has featured in the PFA Team of the Year in both the seasons that followed.
Especially under Louis van Gaal, there were weeks or even months when it seemed De Gea was fighting a one-man battle to secure CL football for United.
He is comfortable, well settled with a lucrative contract, and adored by the fans. The lure of Real Madrid can be alluring – but there is no reason prima facie why De Gea would want to leave United.
#2 Madrid has other transfer priorities
Via social media, factions of United fans back in 2015 openly welcomed the impending arrival of Keylor Navas. After all, the Costa Rican had earned his move to Real Madrid with splendid displays in the 2014 World Cup. His debut season at Real Madrid enhanced his budding reputation, and his passion and ability to connect with the fans did not go unnoticed.
Keylor Navas is far from being a weak link in this Real Madrid side. The rumours about De Gea shouldn't mislead anyone – any such pursuit only underlines Real's craze for signing the best. With the uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo and the tussle for Morata among other things, Madrid would be wise to focus their transfer strategies elsewhere on the pitch.
#3 Hefty transfer fee and broken relationship
Ever since the sale of Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Manchester United haven't exactly been in friendly terms. "Do you think I would get into a contract with that mob. Jesus Christ, no chance. I wouldn't sell them a virus," said Ferguson in December 2008, angered and annoyed by the club's public and disrespectful pursuit of Ronaldo.
Ferguson ultimately had no other choice due to Ronaldo's desire to play for Real – but the two clubs haven't looked each other eye to eye since.
The debacle of 2015 added yet more fuel to fire. With Madrid dragging their heels over a potential Morata deal as well, despite him clearly being surplus to requirements, United won't be too pleased if and when any negotiations for De Gea start. Expect United to demand in excess of £60 million – and Madrid to baulk at the price and walk away.
#4 Real Madrid have alternative targets
Even supposing Zidane decides that he needs a new number 1 to replace or compete with Keylor Navas, it is questionable whether De Gea really is the best choice.
Eight years younger, more than an inch taller and with a stockier frame, Gianluigi Donnarumma is the name on everyone's lips. Having announced that he would not renew his contract with Milan, there is no lack of suitors for him.
With just one year left on his contract, he could be available at a much cheaper price than De Gea. Real Madrid might even choose to play the waiting game and sign him on a free next summer.
In any case, it is clear the stardust accompanying a potential Donnarumma deal will not be any less than that for De Gea – and that too for a goalkeeper who could quite conceivably serve Madrid for two decades.
#5 De Gea won't force a move
All said and done, it is clear De Gea would still jump at a chance to sign for his dream club if the deal could be pulled off with smiles on both camps. But with the way Madrid generally do business, it is imperative for the player to angle for a move. This helps them drive down the price and force the selling club's hand.
Having risked the ire of supporters with his open agitation for a move in 2015, De Gea has rebuilt relations with the fan base with his performances. However, he can't afford one more failed move; and therefore would reportedly refrain from asking United for a move.
In such a scenario, Real would have to more or less match United's asking price, which will, of course, be quite an ask.
