David de Gea has rejected a proposal from Manchester United to extend his contract as both parties remain some way apart.
According to The Athletic, David de Gea has turned down Manchester United’s proposal to extend his contract. The long-serving goalkeeper remains open to reducing his £375,000-a-week wages. But both parties remain apart from an agreement.
David de Gea remains an important part of Manchester United’s plans despite some intense scrutiny regarding his place in the last few years. The Spanish stopper had endured a difficult period over previous seasons, urging many to call for the club to replace the experienced star.
He continued his torrid form in front of the goal at the start of the current season under Erik ten Hag but has made a sensational recovery. He is now one of the key players under the Dutch manager and remains in line for a new deal at Manchester United.
While there were suggestions Manchester United could replace de Gea with a younger alternative like Illan Meslier, it may appear that is not the case. The Red Devils are open to extending de Gea’s contract. But there’s the issue of the keeper taking a reduction in his £375,000-a-week wages.
David de Gea wants to stay, Man United want to keep him. Discussions continue on the salary structure and length of the contract. 🔴 #MUFC
All parties remain optimistic, as revealed at the beginning of the month 👇🏻 https://t.co/Dr88s2o0O8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 29, 2023
He signed the previous deal with £375,000-a-week wages in light of Manchester United’s offer of a bumper contract to former player Alexis Sanchez. That deal will expire in the summer, with the club seemingly keeping their options open about offering a new deal.
As negotiations are ongoing between the two parties, de Gea has reportedly turned down Manchester United’s first proposal for a new contract. His new salary continues to be the issue for this refusal as the club had asked him to reduce his £375,000-a-week wages.
As reported earlier, Manchester United are willing to offer a new contract worth £250,000-a-week in wages. But de Gea may feel it lacks a show of importance. The keeper believes he is one of Erik ten Hag’s most important players, and the pay should reflect his stature.
While it is common for players to reject an initial contract proposal from the club, Manchester United will hope to find an agreement. For now, both parties remain apart from each other’s valuations but believe they could reach an agreement. De Gea’s readiness to take a pay cut will play his favour during discussions.
Manchester United may have to find the middle ground to agree with the player over a new deal. De Gea will expect to continue his career at Old Trafford beyond this season but also hope for a significant show of faith through a good deal on the table.