David de Gea has finally agreed a new, five-year contract at Manchester United, according to reports on Saturday, but does that mean he will be sticking around?
De Gea’s future at Old Trafford has been the subject of much speculation over the past 12 months and longer, and he’s now entered the final 12 months of his current deal, meaning he could speak to overseas clubs in January about a move away.
Real Madrid have been long-term admirers of the Spain international, while Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have also been credited with an interest in the 28-year-old, who has been with United since 2011.
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There have been times recently when it seems a new contract was close to being signed but nothing official has come from the club. These new, widespread reports suggest he has now finally agreed a long-term deal, which could theoretically keep him at Old Trafford until 2024.
The Daily Record claims he will pen the hugely-lucrative contract, that would see the goalkeeper become the Red Devils’ highest-paid player on around £230,000-per week, as United hope to put an end to the ongoing speculation over the former Atletico Madrid man’s future.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said in his press conference to preview Saturday’s home clash with Leicester City that it was vitally important for United to keep de Gea and he followed that comment up with a confident declaration that he would commit his future and sign a new deal soon.
However, there remains an element of doubt still over whether the reports are true – we have been here before with claims saying it was a matter of days before the deal was signed – and, anyway, even if he does commit he could still be sold next summer.
United are desperately trying to tie him down but it’s not just to placate fans who are worried he could go at the end of the season for nothing but also, obviously, it’s to protect their prized asset.
If he is seen in a PR photo-shoot in club training kit with a pen in his hand then it will serve as a dual aim. To inform supporters, on the surface at least, he is staying long term, but it also means they can get the fee he’s worth should they cave in to personal demands further down the line and the likes of Real make a realistic, market-worthy offer.
So, if and when de Gea does sign, some United fans may celebrate the news, hoping they have finally persuaded him to stay.
There also needs to be plenty of caution attached to the news when it does come out, though. Because like plenty of top players in recent years – a lucrative new deal often only means the selling club are now able to proceed with transfer negotiations safe in the knowledge their key player will not be leaving on the cheap.
