Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has signed a new-four year contract with the club.
The 24-year-old Spain international almost joined Real Madrid on transfer deadline day, but the necessary paperwork was not submitted in time.
De Gea’s previous contract was set to expire next summer, while his new deal includes an option for a further year.
“I’m looking forward to putting a difficult summer behind me and working hard,” said De Gea.
“I am delighted to be starting this new chapter in my United career.
“Manchester United is a special club and Old Trafford is an ideal place for me to continue to develop.”
De Gea has not played for United this season as manager Louis van Gaal felt he could not focus amid interest from Real.
Had he not signed a new deal, De Gea could have opened talks in January about a free-transfer move to Madrid for next summer.
Van Gaal said he was “very pleased” the goalkeeper “will be part of the team for many years to come”.
“David made a very important contribution to our performance last season and he has been the club’s Player of the Year for the last two seasons,” added the Dutchman.
Editor’s Note: Well what a difference a week makes. Last week were it not for a faulty fax machine then David De Gea would have been all set to move to Real Madrid but now Fantasy Football Managers across the country will be sweating on Louis Van Gaal’s decision as to whether David De Gea goes straight back into the team for tomorrow evening’s game at home to Liverpool.
With the Spaniard’s contract running out at the end of the season, the longer this protracted transfer saga went on then the longer the risk that David De Gea would have walked out of the club for nothing come the Summer. Although a 4 year contract has been signed, is this just a protective measure so that Manchester United protect their interest and still shift him on in the Summer or does De Gea see out the full 4 year tenure.
The more immediate question is whether De Gea starts on Saturday. After Sergio Romero’s mistake against Swansea it could be the right time to drop the Argentinian although that could be viewed as a bit harsh considering he made 3 league clean sheets before that. It will be interesting to see if LVG gives away any clues in today’s press conference but I think Football fans all over the world can now breathe a collective sigh of relief, that this long running transfer saga has come to and end….for now.
