Manchester United’s David de Gea has reportedly ruled out all possibility of a move to long-time admirers Real Madrid.

According to a report by Spanish publication Don Balon, the 26-year-old has been left disappointed by Real Madrid, as they didn’t act upon their interest. The Spaniard has reportedly told his agent Jorge Mendes to not entertain any approach from the European Champions.

De Gea, who has been a long-term transfer target for Real Madrid, has gone so far as to tell his agent that even if he does end up leaving Old Trafford, it won’t be for Santiago Bernabeu, thereby putting an end to this long drawn out transfer saga, for now.

This likely won’t do well for the image of Real Madrid President Florentino Perez, who according to the report, had ‘promised’ to bring de Gea to the Spanish capital. However, Zinedine Zidane’s insistence on retaining Keylor Navas and De Gea’s ire have essentially ruined the 70-year-old’s plan.

Real Madrid have been huge admirers of De Gea since his rise to prominence at Manchester United. Easily amongst the best keepers in the world, the former Atletico Madrid shot-stopper was seen as the perfect heir to the legendary Iker Casillas’ mantle at the club.

Manchester United's Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea celebrates at the final whistle in the English League Cup final football match between Manchester United and Southampton at Wembley stadium in north London on February 26, 2017. Manchester United won the game 3-2. / AFP / Glyn KIRK / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
Going nowhere! David de Gea celebrates at the final whistle in the English League Cup final football match between Manchester United and Southampton at Wembley stadium in north London on February 26, 2017. (Picture Courtesy – Getty Images)

However, innumerable rumours and a failed moved later, Real Madrid have made no significant progress in their pursuit of the Spanish international. In fact, if the reports of De Gea’s displeasure are true, their chances of acquiring him have only worsened.

Keylor Navas, despite being an integral part of two Champions League winning sides, isn’t considered to be on the same level as the likes of De Gea, Thibaut Courtois, Manuel Neuer or Gianluigi Buffon. However, Zidane has reportedly pressurized Perez to keep hold of the Costa Rican, who has served him so well during his tenure.

Recent reports had even suggested that the Red Devils had put a massive £80 million price tag on De Gea in a bid to try and ward off the European Champions. While Real have no shortage of funds, it is unlikely that United would have let him leave even if they did come up with a bid in that region.

By moving to Real, De Gea also risks ruining his relationship with Atletico Madrid, his boyhood club. At Manchester United, he is a part of a Jose Mourinho-led revolution – one that is almost sure to result in plenty of silverware. Besides that, the Red Devils can certainly afford to pay him the same wages that Real Madrid will offer.

Navas, last season, was prone to the occasional error which threatened to derail Madrid’s season, but those will only be considered as minor blemishes in what ultimately proved to be stellar individual campaign. Zidane’s reported trust in the 30-year-old is admirable, now it remains to be seen whether he can justify his manager’s faith in the eyes of Florentino Perez.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Recommended

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.