David de Gea’s real contract situation at Manchester United prior to his exit announcement has been revealed by insiders at the club.
After 12 years as a Red Devil, De Gea confirmed he was leaving the club on Saturday, July 8 in a lengthy post on social media.
“I would like to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love from the last 12 years. We’ve achieved a lot since my dear Sir Alex Ferguson brought me to this club,” he said.
“I took incredible pride every time I pulled on this shirt. To lead the team, to represent this institution – the biggest club in the world – was an honour only bestowed upon a few lucky footballers.”
David De Gea joined Man Utd from Atletico Madrid in 2011 and went on to make 545 appearances – the most by a goalkeeper in the club’s history; De Gea broke Peter Schmeichel’s club clean sheets record last season, during which he also won the Premier League Golden Glove
He was their last player to ever win the Premier League with Manchester United during Sir Alex Ferguson’s last season in charge in 2013.
It was widely reported that United were unwilling to match his previous £375,000-per-week deal he signed in 2019.
However, contrary to initial reports, United did not put another offer on the table for De Gea, in the build-up to his contract running out.
According to Manchester Evening News, insiders at the club claim United chiefs hoped to have face-to-face discussions with De Gea, but that did not happen.
The sources further claim that De Gea carefully pondered on his situation towards the end of the 2022/23 season, before eventually deciding to announce his departure.
Where does this leave United?
Following De Gea’s exit, United are left with Dean Henderson, but that could change in the coming weeks as they look to seal Andre Onana’s transfer from inter Milan, as per SportBible.
Erik Ten Hag and Henderson met in training this week and had a brief engagement, although it is believed the 26-year old prefers a loan move back to Nottingham Forest, where he spent last season.
Meanwhile, Unitd’s third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton recently signed a contract renewal at the end of last season.
