Manchester United are yet to decide on David De Gea’s imminent future, with Jordan Pickford emerging as a candidate to replace him.
David de Gea has been the preferred choice in goal for Manchester United for over a decade. But according to Daily Telegraph, there are uncertainties about whether to trigger his one year extension clause or let him depart from Old Trafford for free.
De Gea passed every obstacle with ease to become the number one custodian at Old Trafford, and his immediate status is not under threat. But Manchester United have hit a record high as far as their wage bill is concerned. Their annual salary cost has blown out of proportion to an astronomical figure of £384.2 million, with Cristiano Ronaldo being at the forefront.
De Gea is the second-highest paid on that list with a weekly wage of £375,000, and the Manchester United hierarchy is currently in two minds regarding the player’s future. With a summer transfer window that saw them spend over the top, Manchester United’s annual wage bill could soar a few notches, and the management is thinking to tap into alternate options.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has been lined up as de Gea’s potential successor should the current season prove to be the Spaniard’s last at Manchester United.
2022/23 is de Gea’s 12th season at Old Trafford, and he has been a top professional during his time at the club. He has been adjudged Manchester United’s Player’s Player of the Year four times and also got included in the PFA Team of the Season five times.
But de Gea’s inability of being a ball-playing goalkeeper has somewhat been a hindrance between him and Erik ten Hag. The Manchester United manager certainly does not seem to view the Spanish international as capable of being a custodian in his current project, as illustrated by the style of play implemented thus far this season.
But ten Hag has backed de Gea, as he feels the Spaniard does have room for improvement and will remain Manchester United’s no. 1 this season. However, Pickford might be a candidate to replace de Gea, with Manchester United eyeing other alternatives as well, including Illan Meslier.
Pickford is destined for greatness soon as the English international is only 28 and is yet to enter his prime years. With less than two years left on his current contract with Everton, the Toffees might listen to offers rather than losing the high-value asset for free.
Pickford is expected to command a substantial fee, and the Red Devils have the financial might to meet Everton’s demand. It will be interesting to see if Manchester United follow through with their interest in the 28-year-old English international or pursue other alternatives, with Diogo Costa another goalkeeper on their radar.