Manchester United’s goalkeeper, David de Gea, is on the verge of becoming a free agent as his contract expiration looms, with no definitive decision made regarding his future at Old Trafford.
Initially, there was an agreed framework for a contract extension; however, subsequent changes led to both parties stepping back to contemplate the situation and determine their preferred course of action.
The 32-year-old Spanish goalkeeper has been an integral part of the club for 12 years, appearing in 545 games.
Despite the uncertainty, Manchester United remains in contact with De Gea. The player’s response to the rampant speculation surrounding his future was a tweet featuring a yawning emoji earlier this week.
During the previous season, De Gea clinched the Premier League Golden Glove award for the second time, boasting an impressive tally of 17 clean sheets. He has also been named United’s Player of the Year on four occasions.
Both De Gea and manager Erik ten Hag expressed optimism about the player’s continuation with the club towards the end of the last season.
While there is still a possibility of him signing a new contract, from Saturday onwards, De Gea will be eligible to negotiate with other clubs, as he was free to engage in pre-contract discussions with foreign suitors since January.
Manchester United has been urging De Gea to accept a significant pay cut from his record-breaking £375,000-per-week deal signed in 2019.
Even if the salary were reduced, it would likely still place De Gea among the top-earning goalkeepers, making it challenging for him to match those terms elsewhere.
Nevertheless, if De Gea decides to depart after 12 seasons, during which he has amassed five major honors, secured four club Player of the Year awards, and remains the sole player to have won a Premier League title at United, it will pose a dilemma for Ten Hag.
Reportedly, there have been preliminary discussions involving highly-rated Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana from Inter Milan. However, due to budget constraints and the recent £55 million agreement to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea, as well as United’s pursuit of a new center-forward, they would need to generate funds through player sales before making a move for the 27-year-old Onana.
United has exercised a one-year option for veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who has attracted interest from Luton, while Dean Henderson has returned to the club to recover from a thigh injury sustained during his loan spell at Nottingham Forest in January.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about free agent
When does David de Gea’s contract with Manchester United end?
David de Gea’s contract with Manchester United is likely to end on Friday, although no final decision has been made regarding his future at the club.
How long has David de Gea been with Manchester United?
David de Gea has spent 12 years at Manchester United, during which he has played in 545 games for the club.
Has there been any progress in contract negotiations?
There was an initial agreement on a contract extension, but subsequent changes led both parties to step back and reflect on the situation. No final decision has been reached.
Has David de Gea expressed his intentions regarding his future?
David de Gea has not made any definitive statements about his future at Manchester United. However, he posted a yawning emoji on Twitter, seemingly in response to the speculation surrounding his situation.
What are the club’s expectations for David de Gea’s contract?
Manchester United has been urging David de Gea to accept a substantial pay cut from his current deal, which is one of the highest for a goalkeeper. The club is looking to reduce his salary.
Can David de Gea sign with another club?
After his contract ends, David de Gea will be free to sign with any other club. He has been able to negotiate pre-contract terms with overseas suitors since January.
Is Manchester United considering alternative goalkeepers?
Tentative discussions have taken place with Andre Onana, a highly-rated goalkeeper from Inter Milan. However, due to budget limitations, Manchester United would need to sell players before making a move for Onana or any other goalkeeper.
Are there any other goalkeepers at Manchester United?
Manchester United has triggered a one-year option for veteran keeper Tom Heaton, and Dean Henderson has returned to the club after recovering from a thigh injury sustained during his loan spell at Nottingham Forest.
What are the accomplishments of David de Gea during his time at Manchester United?
David de Gea has won five major honors, including a Premier League title, during his 12 seasons at Manchester United. He has also been named the club’s Player of the Year four times and won the Premier League Golden Glove award twice.
More about free agent
- David de Gea’s contract situation at Manchester United
- David de Gea’s career statistics at Manchester United
- Updates on Manchester United’s contract negotiations with David de Gea
- David de Gea’s tweet about his future speculation
- Manchester United’s expectations for David de Gea’s contract
- Potential alternative goalkeeper Andre Onana from Inter Milan
- Updates on Manchester United’s goalkeeping situation
- David de Gea’s accomplishments at Manchester United
