Real Reason Real Madrid Missed Out On David De Gea
After seeing a poll in Spanish newspaper, Marca showing fans’ preference of Keylor Navas over David De Gea, it is believed by Manchester United that Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez might have been influenced as a result, hence the eventual failure of the transfer involving both keepers swapping clubs. The Spanish giants were in hot pursuit of the 24 year-old shotstopper during the Summer transfer window, and the keeper himself refused to put pen to paper regarding a new deal with United. However, paperwork issues on transfer deadline day saw the deal fall through.
De Gea has since extended his stay at Old Trafford by 4 more years after signing a new contract that will keep him in England until 2019. Costa Rica international, Navas joined Madrid last season, and he went on to put up impressive displays following Casillas loss of form. His performances have thus far endeared him to the Bernabeu faithfuls, who chose him ahead of their countryman in the polls conducted by the popular newspaper. De Gea was earlier tipped to take over from Iker at Madrid.
The transfer saga saw him miss early parts of the season, but he has since returned to his post as club’s first choice goalie, and has featured in all minutes of all competitions ever since. David DeGea was bound to become a free agent at the end of this season, prompting earlier reports that a transfer to the Spanish capital could still be in the offing. With both keepers now permanently settled at their clubs, it comes as a surprise as nobody could have seen such development following the transfer rumours back then.