The biggest transfer story of last summer was one that never happened. David de Gea seemed dedicated to Manchester United after signing a new four-year contract last year, but there is a catch.
The broken fax machine which prevented wantaway goalkeeper David de Gea signing for La Liga giants Real Madrid last summer has now become a part of footballing lore. However, even as the Spaniard signed a lucrative new 4-year contract, there were already whispers of a release clause that would provide him with an escape route back to Spain.
According to well known football journalist Duncan Castles, this clause does exist and Los Blancos can sign the 25-year-old for a fee of £47.8 million pounds. He goes on to state that this clause will expire on 15th June, 2016. This means that De Gea is set to make a concrete decision over his long-term future this week.
The report also claims that although Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has issued statements praising current No. 1 Kaylor Navas, it is a play by president Florentino Perez to deflect media attention off the David de Gea chase so as not to be shown up if the Spaniard chooses to stay at Old Trafford.
Mourinho is the game-changer
Rumours of De Gea’s possible departure were flying around as recently as last month, with reports claiming that the Spaniard may choose to depart for Real after Manchester United’s less-than-brilliant season under Louis van Gaal. However, the sacking of the Dutchman and arrival of Jose Mourinho has been a major game-changer.
The two-time Champions League winning manager has the highest pedigree, having led the likes of Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid to major silverware. De Gea is believed to be very eager to work with the innovative, experienced and successful Mourinho. The Spaniard is currently on good wages and the former Atletico Madrid man could be set to snub his boyhood club’s financially superior rivals.
