Craig Bellamy: De Gea to Real Madrid "just a matter of time"

What's the story?

David de Gea has yet again been linked with a move to the Spanish capital. The speculation has somewhat appeared to be increasing recently. With a heavy squad revamp expected at Real Madrid this summer, the matter was taken up for discussion in the Sky Sports studio.

Craig Bellamy was a part of the debate, whether De Gea would force a move this time around to Madrid and he considers that the move will go through.

In case you didn't know...

De Gea came close to joining the Spanish Champions back in 2015 on the deadline day. However, the move fell through because of delayed paperwork as a result of a faulty fax machine. Since then, the goalkeeper has established himself as one of the best players in the league. De Gea has been in sublime form for United over the years. He has been named in the PFA Team of the Year for three consecutive years.

The heart of the matter

In a Sky Sports debate involving Craig Bellamy and Charlie Adam, the former Newcastle United and Liverpool forward said:

"He is the real deal and I have always felt that Real Madrid have been looking for him to be their number one for a number of years. And it is just a matter of time before they get him. His footwork is brilliant, he anticipates as well, he can read forwards and if you watch, he makes a lot of his saves with his feet."

Bellamy added:

"Usually every top club has a rebuild and maybe it has been a little bit more overdue with Madrid because of the success of they have had in the Champions League. But I see De Gea being a huge part of that and Real Madrid do spend money, they always have done, they have been quiet over the last few years. So probably due to the fact that it will take a huge fee to get him and prise him away from Man United, I would be shocked if he did not go."

What's next?

The Spaniard's move to Real Madrid should come as no surprise. The Spanish giants never content with Keylor Navas, irrespective of his form. Moreover, given the unacceptable season they are having, it would force them to strengthen every department. There are not many better goalkeepers than De Gea at the moment.

Author's take

It would be a setback for both the club and fans if De Gea leaves for Spain. His shoes could prove hard to fill at Old Trafford. Real Madrid's interest is much serious this time around, given their lacklustre season and De Gea would absolutely love to return to his hometown. The goalkeeper is desperate to lift some silverware and could move to Bernabeu, of course for a whopping sum of money.