Real Madrid yesterday officially handed over the number one shirt, previously worn by Iker Casillas to Keylor Navas, hinting at a possible Old Trafford stay for another year for David De Gea.
Last season, Navas had worn the No. 13 shirt, which has been given to new a 6 million signing Kiko Casilla. This might meant that the Manchester United have taken a stance of not selling their prized asset in goal-keeper David De Gea to Real Madrid, and will probably see him walk on a free to the Santiago Bernabeu next season. Iker Casillas moved to FC Porto last week, ending a 25-year relationship with the Los Blancos.
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No De Gea for Real or Ramos for Manchester United?
De Gea was signed by legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson from Atletico Madrid in 2011, with the shot-stopper going on to win Manchester United’s player of the season on two occasions, and is widely regarded as one of the best goal-keepers in the world.
It is widely believed that Manchester United are only willing to sell their star goal-keeper on only one condition, that Real Madrid captain, Sergio Ramos comes to the Old Trafford in a player plus cash swap. However, the Los Blancos have no intention of letting their captain go, having already rejected a A?28.6 million bid from the Red Devils.
Manchester United have reportedly been irked by Real using their financial clout to sign Manchester United players and top targets, and with the Old Trafford outfit now generating more revenue than the Los Blancos, they are willing to see this trend change.
Manchester United’s big gamble David Da Gea gamble!
Manchester United are prepared to let De Gea walk on a free at the end of this season, as they are convinced that the 24-year-old is keen on a return to his homeland and would not be extending his contract with the Red Devils, they are potentially risking in excess of A?25 million in doing so, the transfer fee that Real were willing to pay to sign the shot-stopper.
However, the club believes that they have a better chance to compete for and win trophies with De Gea in goal, than without him. Also De Gea is on a remarkable low A?60,000 per week wages, after reportedly rejecting the Red Devils offer of a bumper A?180,000 per week contract and thus would not cost the club much in terms of wages.
If Manchester United’s De Gea gamble pays off or not, remains to be seen, and one can only be definite about this at the end of the season. Till then, this looks like a saga coming to an end for now, however, when two of the biggest club’s in the world are involved, you never know?