Manchester United shot-stopper David de Gea is reportedly all set to play for La Liga giants Real Madrid next season. The Spanish goalkeeper is currently regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world and Madrid is looking to replace their first-choice keeper Keylor Navas.
De Gea has been heavily linked with the Spanish big spenders over the last couple of seasons. A deal which seemed imminent before the start of the 2015/16 season fell through at the last moment due to paperwork issues as the 25-year-old settled in Manchester.
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Navas’ performances a cause for worry
However, according to the Daily Star, Inda, a director at Spanish newspaper OK Diario, thinks that Real Madrid will look to sign the goalkeeper again. He told Diario Madridista that although there is faith in current goalkeeper Keylor Navas, Madrid will pursue United's number 1 next season.
He said, “There’s faith in Keylor Navas, but there’s also a bit of worry creeping in. He hasn’t had the best performances in Dortmund or against Eibar. The belief is De Gea is the best goalkeeper in the world, and I’m starting to think, just a feeling, that De Gea will play at Madrid next season. I’m not talking for the sake of it, and I think he’ll come next year."
He also shed light as to how Zinedine Zidane spoke to Madrid to keep Keylor Navas for the season and not sign De Gea as he said, "He didn’t come this season because Zidane asked the president to keep Keylor Navas because, as well as winning the Champions League, he was getting along well with his teammates and he didn’t want to harm the group.”
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Madrid’s transfer ban will make things difficult
However, a transfer deal at this point looks highly unlikely. FIFA had earlier punished Real Madrid for breaching rules over the transfer of foreign players under 18. Real Madrid later contested against the ruling, but their appeal was turned down. The Madrid-based club will now appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The club is banned from issuing any new player in the next two transfer season.
David de Gea is regarded as indispensable by Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho and he will certainly not allow the first-choice keeper to leave Old Trafford without a fight.
The Spaniard has improved massively since joining in 2011 for a fee of £17.8 million from Atletico Madrid. He also signed a new deal four-year deal with an option for a further year at the club in the previous season.
