Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea is reportedly in talks with Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr over a potential Bosman move this summer.
According to Saudi Arabian sports journalist Ahmed Aljadi, David de Gea is currently holding discussions with Al-Nassr, who are offering him lucrative terms to reunite with former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at the club.
The Spanish shot-stopper’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain as his contract expires at midnight on June 30. It was recently reported that de Gea accepted a significant pay cut to sign a new contract renewal. However, Manchester United backtracked on the agreement before offering him a less lucrative deal just days before his current deal is due to run out.
This is the latest demonstration of woeful mismanagement from the club’s hierarchy. De Gea has no plans to accept the latest offer on the table after the shambolic treatment by an elite club of one of their top players.
De Gea has been a loyal servant to Manchester United over the years, keeping a club record 190 clean sheets and playing more matches than any other goalkeeper in their history. He has been crowned the Player of the Year award four times in his 12-year stay and holds the record for winning this prestigious trophy the most number of times in the club’s history alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Madrid-born shot-stopper may no longer be at his peak. But he still won the Premier League Golden Glove last season. He will go down as a club legend and deserves to be treated with a little more respect by fans and the club itself.
Although Manchester United have been disrespectful towards the legendary keeper, it could be the right time to part ways. The club need an upgrade between the sticks. De Gea has been inconsistent with his goalkeeping over the past year. He made four errors directly leading to goals while also looking vulnerable with his distribution from the back.
Erik ten Hag wants a goalkeeper who can help his team play out from the back rather than just lumping the ball long. Andre Onana is touted for a move to Old Trafford after impressing with Inter Milan last season and having the experience of playing under the Dutchman at Ajax.
Ten Hag has also reportedly blocked an exit for third-choice option Tom Heaton to Luton Town, hinting at De Gea’s departure. Now, Al-Nassr have opened discussions with the player’s representative over a Bosman transfer this summer as they need a replacement for the severely injured David Ospina.
The Gulf nation is trying to attract the biggest names in football and is dishing out massive contracts to entice them. Al-Nassr signed Cristiano Ronaldo months ago, and Al-Ittihad have secured a deal for Karim Benzema, while Chelsea have also sold a number of big names to Saudi clubs.
Regardless of whether he opts for the Saudi Arabian adventure or chooses to explore other avenues to stay in Europe, it looks increasingly likely that his future is away from Old Trafford. Only time will tell where the Spanish shot-stopper’s next chapter unfolds.
