David de Gea is officially a free agent after being released from Manchester United, but will it stay that way? Here’s what we know.
The Spaniard’s 12-year stay at Old Trafford could well be over, and regardless of his performances across the more recent seasons, he’s been one of the most loyal servants to the club that most of us supporters have seen.
With him gone, there are now no players remaining that played under Sir Alex Ferguson or that featured in the 2013 title-winning squad. Ouch.
Currently, United have scheduled face-to-face talks over his future in Manchester, as per Neil Custis of The Sun. This won’t happen until next week at the earliest as De Gea is getting married to his long-term partner over the weekend.
Seemingly, they’ve asked him to stick around while they determine if they can sign a new No.1.
It was reported earlier this week that De Gea had put pen to paper on a new deal before United backed out and scrapped it due to the proposed wages not being low enough. There is yet to be a new contract offered to him.
His place will now be largely impacted by United’s interest in Andre Onana, with Inter Milan’s CEO confirming last night that they are expecting a bid to arrive for the Cameroonian.
Onana would cost in the region of €50 – €55 million and given that Erik ten hag has already worked with him, the board will likely pay it, because the manager knows more than anyone what he’s capable of.
It’s unclear whether De Gea would settle for being used primarily as a backup ‘keeper as if Onana joins, that’s what he’ll be.
He has reportedly garnered interest from Saudi Arabia but, judging by transfer speculation, he has no offers arriving from European clubs as it stands – though obviously, this could be happening behind the scenes.
The 32-year-old would also take a significant pay cut by the looks of it and after earning £375,000 per week plus starting matches week in, week out, will he want to adjust to such drastic changes?
Stretty News’ verdict
In my opinion, it seems most likely that his exit will stay permanent if Inter accept United’s bid for Onana.
The club recently blocked Tom Heaton from completing a move to newly-promoted Luton Town, which they wouldn’t do if they didn’t see him as a reliable backup ‘keeper for next season.
If things go to plan for United, Onana will be starting between the sticks come August 14 and Heaton will be on the bench. If that is the case, they need to give De Gea the send-off he deserves.
