You sign a young Spaniard that is also a client of Jorge Mendes. You develop him into a world beater. Then, a few years on, Real Madrid come knocking on the door and you feel helpless to the fact it’s inevitable that he will leave.
In summary, that’s what is happening at Old Trafford with a David de Gea transfer looking more likely.
The first 6 months of David de Gea’s Manchester United career were a struggle but it was clear to see the potential he had to make it as a top goalkeeper. Fans stood by him and have built an incredibly strong bond with the Spaniard by chanting his name on the terraces each week. It’s rare to see that towards a goalkeeper but it goes to show how much belief the fans have put into Dave down the years.
Previous goalkeepers of that standard never received such treatment from the United faithful, yet may be considered better by the fans in question. Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar won a European Cup each at Manchester United and league titles, although you never heard their names sang on the terraces like David de Gea.
It makes you wonder whether it’s worth his while leaving just yet. United have a stupid amount of money on the table and Louis van Gaal says there’s no more the club can do to convince him to stay.
This season we have seen some of Real Madrid’s better players hounded by their spoilt fans, vandalising cars and booing Cristiano Ronaldo in the past. I’m not saying we don’t have idiotic fans – not one football club can deny that – but Madrid have built themselves a shit reputation.
There are, of course, benefits to a move. David de Gea’s dream is to be Spain number 1 and playing for the La Liga’s greatest club would without question make it easier to achieve. A goalkeeper of his standard should make this honour reality regardless of what country he plays in, but this is an obvious pull factor.
We asked our followers what they thought about the likelihood of losing Dave to Real Madrid this summer.
@StrettyNews Absolutely gutted, to see how well he has progressed into the keeper he is today, will be missed quite alot.
— reece schofield (@reeceschofield_) April 24, 2015
That’s football, unfortunately. Should the club take more caution when signing Mendes’ clients or suck it up and make the most of them?
@StrettyNews he’s kept a very cool head when all around him were losing theirs. Deserves to play wherever he wants. A model professional. — Adam Bulleid (@SingBlueSilver3) April 24, 2015
That we cannot take away from Dave.
@strettynews Disappointed, but definitely not angry at @D_DeGea. He’s a Madrid lad. Who wouldn’t want to go home? @Bernd_Leno in!
— Alex (@alexmchicago) April 24, 2015
Agreed but have not seen enough of Leno to comment. Victor Valdes will be given an opportunity if De Gea leaves in the summer. Having previously worked with Louis van Gaal and Frans Hoek, there’s surely an understanding between them.
@StrettyNews I suppose it’s a bit like going out with a supermodel. Make the most of it while it lasts, as you know she’d leave you someday. — Philip Gatt (@philgatt) April 24, 2015
Viva Ronaldo!
Let us know in the comment section what you think. Miguel Delaney of ESPN has wrote an interesting piece on why goalkeepers get shut out for Premier League POTY.
