Despite rumours regarding his future, Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has declared that he will retire at Old Trafford. The international player from Spain is now in the last six months of his deal with the Red Devils and is free to start talks with overseas teams about a pre-contract arrangement.
The Red Devils have not triggered a rumoured one-year extension clause in De Gea’s contract, meaning the goalkeeper, who has been with Man United since 2011, could leave on a free transfer at the conclusion of the current campaign.
Martin Dubravka, who has since returned to his original club Newcastle United, and Dean Henderson have been kept at bay by the 31-year-old, who has maintained his place as Man United’s top player under Erik ten Hag.
In the case that De Gea does depart, the Red Devils have been connected with a number of goalkeepers, including Jan Oblak, Jordan Pickford, Yann Sommer, and Diogo Costa.
As a result of Dubravka’s return to Newcastle, Man United, who now only have Tom Heaton as their senior backup, are reportedly interested in Crystal Palace’s Jack Butland. De Gea, who turns 33 in November, stated his ambition to stay in goal with the Red Devils till the conclusion of his playing career when speaking to Sky Sports News.
De Gea to extend his stay at Man United
De Gea reacted when questioned about the ongoing contract negotiations in the background.
“I’m very relaxed. I just focus on training, perform as best as I can. But, for sure, it’s going to end in a good way.”
“I hope (to stay for the rest of my career). I was saying this is my club, I’ve been here many, many years and it’s a huge honour to be here and I’m so happy here.”
As they did for Diogo Dalot, Marcus Rashford, Fred, and Luke Shaw, Man United is reportedly in talks with De Gea over a longer-term contract rather than triggering a one-year extension through 2024.
In 510 appearances for Man United in all competitions since joining for €25 million (£22 million) in the summer of 2011, De Ge has managed 177 clean sheets.
The 32-year-old has recorded 12 shutouts in 23 appearances this season, with his most recent coming in Tuesday’s 3-0 Premier League victory at Old Trafford over Bournemouth.
At the Theatre of Dreams, De Gea has won the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, and three Community Shields; but, it will soon be his sixth year without a piece of club hardware.
Man United’s three-goal victory over Bournemouth brought them even on points with third-placed Newcastle United, and the fourth-placed Red Devils are two points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur with a game remaining.
The next step in Ten Hag’s team’s quest for FA Cup triumph is their Friday night match against Everton at Old Trafford.
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