De Gea Contract Situation

[pierrethesnack]

Something is really winding me up here and I'm looking for an answer. Is it imperative for a goalkeeper to play for Real Madrid if he wants to become Spain's number 1? If that's the case, then I just don't get the logic that a country's best player(s) must play for the country's biggest team(s) in order to get a spot. That would be even worse reasoning than England's when it comes to national squad selections.

I think in the case of the Spain national team it's more about recreating the athmosphere and culture from the dressing rooms of the two biggest clubs.

It's not imperative that the Spain goalkeeper must be Real Madrid's number one, but Casillas has just been the natural choice, seeing how he's already the captain of the team from which Spain pools many of its players + he's got lots of friends in the media, which is always helpful for the national team.

If De Gea stays, he'd still be the obvious choice for Spain, simply because he's far better than his competitors. However, if another Spanish world class goalkeeper comes along and starts playing regularly for Barca or Madrid, his position might be in danger.

It's also a good method by the Spanish FA to ensure that the best Spanish players want to play in Spain, making it the league that it is.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

It would be much worse if not for the presence of David. The defensive cohesion hasn't been optimized yet, but it is also of a symbiotic nature and David can only do so much - because a high proportion for the disarray is due purely to the central defenders we have at our disposal who are still prone to mental lapses/ error in judgement and oftentimes struggle for match rhythm/ sharpness. De Gea to his credit makes up for a lot of those faults - and some of the central defensive errors wouldn't be compensated for by a lesser goalkeeper. eg. One could make an argument that if it weren't for De Gea's reflexes, we could'e conceded off Jones' back pass yesterday.

Absolutely. I did say he's made up for some of our defensive shakeyness. But you earlier mentioned a goalkeepers ability to bring solidarity to the defence and pull what's in front of him together. That's not happened with us. If goalkeepers do exercise that sort of control over their defence we haven't seen it from de gea. Possibly because he's still improving as a keeeper/leader. But what I've seen is him bailing us out tons of times rather than improving what's in front for him and bringing calmness in amongst them. Not that I'm expecting that from him. But you mentioned that keepers can do that. Hence I'm refuting that particular quality, for now.

Also it ties in well with my other point that the even more serious issue is the lack of calm and composure defence, given a goalkeeper obviously cannot make up for that whether it's nueuer or Buffon or de gea.

Honestly, I don't quite understand why people put forth extreme examples to prove a point. Barcelona is on an completely different end of the spectrum. The potency of their attack and midfield ensures than the opposition is always on their toes - this added to the fact that they have added a counterattacking element to the team which makes opposition teams wary while committing men forward, Pique has been arguably one of the Top 3 defenders in European football this season, they have one of the best screening midfielders of modern football. Their defensive record as it were, is an amalgamation of high quality in multiple positions and cannot be equated with the circumstances at United.

It's just an example. Had I provided one then my statement would be a silly one, but I gave quite a few.

The main point I'm trying to make isn't that good keepers aren't important. It's that they are more replaceable than is being made out to be the case.

Also the aim is not to be as heavily reliant on your keeper, like you state barca. The fact that de gea was our best player this season is actually a bit sad.

Here's the thing though - Barcelona would never have allowed a keeper like De Gea to leave in the first place, thus negating the need to find a suitable replacement. For all the talk of keepers being low priority, top clubs do their utmost to hold onto one of the highest standard, and rarely if ever will you see a top top goalkeeper moving clubs. There is an adequate sample size to support that statement when you look at the likes of Kahn, Casillas, Buffon, Schmeichel, Canizares who all stayed at one club through their prime years. The very best clubs put more emphasis on world-class keepers than is appreciated by the masses.

Buffon and cassias were at the biggest clubs in their countries. Nueuer and values were the same. Schmeichel wasn't going to go back to his country. There's no similarity with de gea whatsoever.

 

[Invictus]

Absolutely. I did say he's made up for some of our defensive shakeyness. But you earlier mentioned a goalkeepers ability to bring solidarity to the defence and pull what's in front of him together. That's not happened with us. If goalkeepers do exercise that sort of control over their defence we haven't seen it from de gea. Possibly because he's still improving as a keeeper/leader. But what I've seen is him bailing us out tons of times rather than improving what's in front for him and bringing calmness in amongst them. Not that I'm expecting that from him. But you mentioned that keepers can do that. Hence I'm refuting that particular quality, for now.

Also it ties in well with my other point that the even more serious issue is the lack of calm and composure defence, given a goalkeeper obviously cannot make up for that whether it's nueuer or Buffon or de gea.

How has that not happened with United ? The ability to bring added solidity isn't all-encompassing, in line with the initial point made. We aren't dealing in hyperbole here, and the prime emphasis of the argument is being misinterpreted. One could easily make an argument that the presence of a Ferdinand or Keane was vital for United and they brought a sense of calm to the side, merely because of their presence. But if one takes the lead from your argument, what stability did Rio bring with Silvestre and co. ? What stability did Keane bring with Djemba-Djemba or Miller ? But does that really mean Rio and Keane didn't bring stability to the defense and midfield, and could be easily replaced like you suggested with De gea ?

We need to be more balanced with our assessments than try to undermine his importance. One just cannot argue against the fact that the absolute top keepers, De Gea included bring a far greater degree of composure to the back than a player of inferior quality, which becomes evident over time. That was the gist of De Gea's importance to the team, which kind of refutes the initial statement you made :

People are overrating a goalkeepers influence now.

On the contrary, people constantly underrate the value of having a great keeper in the team. Take away De Gea from the Emirates match, and we could have easily lost the game. Ditto vs Chelsea where he pulled off a stunner vs Hazard. Could have drawn vs Liverpool at United if it wasn't for his heroics. Could have lost vs Crystal Palace if not for his astounding save. And that aside from a dozen other absolutely key contributions in matches that hung on the balance. If not for De Gea, we could have easily dropped ~15 points, if not more, and that would have been the difference between Champions League qualification and much, much more. How is that not influential as you argued ?

It's just an example. Had I provided one then my statement would be a silly one, but I gave quite a few.

The main point I'm trying to make isn't that good keepers aren't important. It's that they are more replaceable than is being made out to be the case.

Also the aim is not to be as heavily reliant on your keeper, like you state barca. The fact that de gea was our best player this season is actually a bit sad.

Great keepers aren't as easily replaced as you're suggesting. Football history is filled with teams that under-performed once the keeper left/ declined/ retired. The fact that De Gea was our best player this season isn't sad at all, and these kind of statements underline the medieval approach a lot of football fans have toward keepers. The German national team, one of the best around, the best national team on the continent. Neuer is arguably their best player in terms of overall quality alongside Lahm. Is that sad ?

Buffon and cassias were at the biggest clubs in their countries. Nueuer and values were the same. Schmeichel wasn't going to go back to his country. There's no similarity with de gea whatsoever.

You've misconstrued the point being made and gone off on tangent here. Teams don't allow great keepers to leave because they realize their importance. That was the primary emphasis, not observations of national allegiance and whatnot.

 

[Rado_N]

I came in here to see if there was any update on his contract situation, any chance we can limit the conversation to the actual topic?

 

[Invictus]

Oops.

 

[Cnaiür urs Skiötha]

Tbh I would not play hardball. If he wants to join RM (which I do understand based on the circumstances) then we should take whatever we can get. Even though 20 Mio (or whatever might be the price) is not a reason to sell for a club of our size we should take it instead of having an unhappy player who will be leaving anyway in 1 year`s time for free.
Instead we should try to find a young prospect to be rotated with VV.

Maybe we can get something out of RM. What about Illarramendi - he seems to be a bit underrated.
Can`t see us getting Bale or Carvajal to be fair...

 

[Xaviesta]

Pete Jenson's article in the mail confirms what many here have suggested. Iberian and South American players have one dream - to represent Barcelona or Real Madrid.

 

[Invictus]

David de Gea is still deciding on whether to leave Manchester United for Real Madrid

The 24-year-old appears to be on the verge of exiting the club after United manager Louis van Gaal admitted he has no idea if his prized asset will at Old Trafford next season.
Balague believes the Spanish international has not yet made a decision on his future but did confirm he is the man Real have chosen to become the successor to Iker Casillas.
“He is a target,” Balague confirmed on Sky Sports News HQ. “They have been saying it for a while.
“There have been agents of goalkeepers – the top goalkeepers in the world in some cases – who have gone to Real Madrid and said ‘how about our guy?’ and the answer from Real Madrid is ‘we want de Gea’.
“He has not committed himself as has been published in the Spanish media. He hasn’t signed anything with Real Madrid but he has got a decision to make.
“What is interesting is that in the past the presence of Casillas would have been an issue but I’ve got the impression that he has changed his mind on that and he actually doesn’t mind.
“He will accept the challenge if he goes to Real Madrid and if Casillas is there.”
De Gea has been a revelation this season for United and looks a certainty to win United’s player of the year award for a second year running after becoming the first goalkeeper in the club’s history to earn the honour last season.
The Spaniard, who grew up in Madrid, is said to be drawn by the possibility of rejoining his family and girlfriend Edurne Garcia in his homeland but Balague revealed United are offering him more money than Real.
“On the table, there is an offer from Manchester United which increases his wages by five times and he will not earn as much money at Real Madrid,” Balague said.
“The money is an issue but he also has to make a decision that also is to do with personal interests – his family is not there all the time and his girlfriend would love to be in Madrid more than in England.
“All in all it is a decision that is as much personal as it is professional.”

http://www1.skysports.com/football/...er-to-leave-manchester-united-for-real-madrid

 

[Manchie]

It sounds strange for a 24-old millionaire who is so desparate to be back home with his family. There are hundreds of spanish players out there far from Spain and their family. It is just lame excuse.

 

[Hernandez - BFA]

He's leaving because we didn't make a concrete chant for him. feck sake guys. This Viva Ronaldo chanting probably made him think he needs to join Madrid just so we can sing about him.

 

[Mr Pigeon]

He's leaving because we didn't make a concrete chant for him. feck sake guys. This Viva Ronaldo chanting probably made him think he needs to join Madrid just so we can sing about him.

This is basically the primary issue. Every player who has ever put on the white shirt of Madrid has dreamt, since they were a child, of hearing their name chanted at Old Trafford. In fact, I'm certain that I once heard Pepe say that his biggest regret in life was never hearing the Stretford End singing "He's gonna step on you again, he's gonna step on you".

 

[hobbers]

It sounds strange for a 24-old millionaire who is so desparate to be back home with his family. There are hundreds of spanish players out there far from Spain and their family. It is just lame excuse.

I think his own family will have very little to do with it. For starters, they're all die hard Atletico fans.

I assume it's Edurne demanding that they start a family in Spain rather than England.

 

[royboy16]

I think part of the logic about suffering without him depends on what our defence will be like.

At times this season it's been an unorganised mess. You'd hope that we'd either sign someone to play there or it will improve dramatically somehow, if that does happen then there is less reliance on a goalkeeper (de Gea or otherwise) and therefore it won't matter if we don't have a keeper to such a high standard.

This is not to take anything away from de Gea he's been very good all season but I'd like to think next season regardless of who is in net we're not so reliant on them. Look at Courtouis at Chelsea....he's made some top saves this season but not many are from defenders errors unlike de Gea who is usually making up for someones mistake.

Disagree,we should have a high standard defence and GK just like we did up to 2008.

 

[Snake Plissken]

It makes sense though.

Valdes settling for number 2? No chance, he was assured that De Gea would be off and he would eventually become the number 1. Also read on a few social media sites that reports in Spain say there's leaked info that says he's agreed terms with Madrid already.

Definitely a goner. I for one am disappointed.

 

[Offside]

Sneaky feeling he may stay, atleast for another year. He will end up at Real Madrid eventually.

 

[NK86]

Tbh I would not play hardball. If he wants to join RM (which I do understand based on the circumstances) then we should take whatever we can get. Even though 20 Mio (or whatever might be the price) is not a reason to sell for a club of our size we should take it instead of having an unhappy player who will be leaving anyway in 1 year`s time for free.
Instead we should try to find a young prospect to be rotated with VV.

Maybe we can get something out of RM. What about Illarramendi - he seems to be a bit underrated.
Can`t see us getting Bale or Carvajal to be fair...

Might as well bend over and give Madrid unlimited access as well while we are at it!

 

[Oggmonster]

Disagree,we should have a high standard defence and GK just like we did up to 2008.

In an ideal world of course you'd want that...you'd want the best team in the world but my point was that people saying it may not be the end of the world if de Gea left are probably using the logic our defence should be better and therefore we may not actually need a keeper who is as good as him as they should have less to do. I'd love to keep de Gea and improve the defence, it probably won't happen though so might as well be realistic.

Is Valdes as good as de Gea for example? No he's not. But if we signed a world class defender in front of him it could actually improve the defence and goalkeeping situation in spite of one of the best keepers in the world leaving.

 

[Mindhunter]

It makes sense though.

Valdes settling for number 2? No chance, he was assured that De Gea would be off and he would eventually become the number 1. Also read on a few social media sites that reports in Spain say there's leaked info that says he's agreed terms with Madrid already.

Definitely a goner. I for one am disappointed.

No club wanted him and he was back from a horrible injury. That doesn't look like a position of strength where he can negotiate from. We helped him train and get back to shape and then extended a contract as he would be a good number 2. How the hell would he or anybody know if De Gea will sign the contract given to him?

 

[Hernandez - BFA]

He either stays for a few more years or leaves this Summer. I can't be dealing with this next summer if he signs a new contract before then. feck that.

 

[VanGaalEra]

As I said yesterday, he's still deciding and I hope the reaction he got from the fans convinces him to stay.

 

[Snake Plissken]

No club wanted him and he was back from a horrible injury. That doesn't look like a position of strength where he can negotiate from. We helped him train and get back to shape and then extended a contract as he would be a good number 2. How the hell would he or anybody know if De Gea will sign the contract given to him?

Let's be realistic. Van Gaal wouldn't have said what he said if Madrid hadn't already approached United and/or De Gea. Above all, when Madrid want someone, they get him. I wouldn't get your hopes up at all for De Gea staying.

 

[Walrus]

I said before and will say it again now - I think De Gea's is naturally quite timid and sneaky (just in terms of his personality type). I dont think he is one of those who truly loves the club, or particularly plays with passion, nor is he that interested in the supporters.

When he first joined, he was criticised for being a bit too introverted and shy on the pitch - which are not good traits for a GK. He has worked on that consciously so that he can be more commanding, but it isnt natural for him. I know the feeling because I was/am in the same boat - I have always been a very shy person, but working in sales for 5 years forced me to just have to try to overcome it, still it isnt natural for me.

I think he is leaving, and at this point I think he has known that for some time, but he just wants to put his head in the sand a bit and hope that things all just blow over. He is a bit scared to come out and declare his intentions because he knows the negative reaction that he will probably get - so he leaves it to his agent, puts his fingers in his ears and hopes that the entire situation will get resolved one way or another for him. His reaction (or lack of) coming off yesterday backs this up - no real emotion, no acknowledgement of the fans, he just wanted to get off the pitch and down the tunnel as quickly as possible.

This isnt directly a criticism of De Gea, its just my opinion and commentary on the type of person he is. What I will say though, is that if he is joining Real Madrid, he is going to have an absolute nightmare with those personality traits and characteristics.


I think it is quite possible that it wont work out for him over there - would be interested to see a poll as to whether people think he will flop or not at Madrid (if he joins them).

 

[Fully Fledged]

He either stays for a few more years or leaves this Summer. I can't be dealing with this next summer if he signs a new contract before then. feck that.

I don't think RM can sign he next year they have a transfer ban hanging over their heads.

 

[ZDwyr]

I said before and will say it again now - I think De Gea's is naturally quite timid and sneaky (just in terms of his personality type). I dont think he is one of those who truly loves the club, or particularly plays with passion, nor is he that interested in the supporters.

When he first joined, he was criticised for being a bit too introverted and shy on the pitch - which are not good traits for a GK. He has worked on that consciously so that he can be more commanding, but it isnt natural for him. I know the feeling because I was/am in the same boat - I have always been a very shy person, but working in sales for 5 years forced me to just have to try to overcome it, still it isnt natural for me.

I think he is leaving, and at this point I think he has known that for some time, but he just wants to put his head in the sand a bit and hope that things all just blow over. He is a bit scared to come out and declare his intentions because he knows the negative reaction that he will probably get - so he leaves it to his agent, puts his fingers in his ears and hopes that the entire situation will get resolved one way or another for him. His reaction (or lack of) coming off yesterday backs this up - no real emotion, no acknowledgement of the fans, he just wanted to get off the pitch and down the tunnel as quickly as possible.

This isnt directly a criticism of De Gea, its just my opinion and commentary on the type of person he is. What I will say though, is that if he is joining Real Madrid, he is going to have an absolute nightmare with those personality traits and characteristics.


I think it is quite possible that it wont work out for him over there - would be interested to see a poll as to whether people think he will flop or not at Madrid (if he joins them).

Why would he post things on Twitter that show passion then? Or praise the fans etc?

 

[Americano]

Petr Cech would easily be my number one choice. In fact I think I might even be happier with him. I think he has far greater command over his defenders and his box than DDG

Can he control Phil Jones?

 

[Mr Pigeon]

Can he control Phil Jones?

Give him a bag of Pedigree Treats and see if he can train him to behave.

 

[Mindhunter]

Let's be realistic. Van Gaal wouldn't have said what he said if Madrid hadn't already approached United and/or De Gea. Above all, when Madrid want someone, they get him. I wouldn't get your hopes up at all for De Gea staying.

I am not getting my hopes up. But it is very hard to accept the conclusion that Valdes only signed after being given assurances that De Gea is leaving and opening up the #1 spot for him.

 

[DuncanEd]

Why would he post things on Twitter that show passion then? Or praise the fans etc?

Do you think he personally writes every tweet?

I had the same opinion yesterday he just wanted off the pitch as fast as he could. THe ovation he got you would think more than a 2 second clap of the hands with the head down would have happened but nope.

I think he is gone just a case of the club cashing in now vs leaving on a free a year later.

 

[ZDwyr]

Do you think he personally writes every tweet?

No, probably not. Although you don't know that he doesn't . Just seems like it would be unnecessary if he doesn't care though. What is the point?

 

[botond]

what i don't get is why would he join real if he and his family are die hard atletico fans ?

 

[Oneunited26]

It is a big problem losing DDG, valdes is clearly not good enough, and we already need to rebuild the rest of the team, so losing DDG compounds the problem from 3 of the 4 area's of the team need rebuilding, to all 4 area's of the team need rebuilding.

I am not getting my hopes up. But it is very hard to accept the conclusion that Valdes only signed after being given assurances that De Gea is leaving and opening up the #1 spot for him.

The thought of Valdes replacing DDG is a horrid idea, was never a fan of him at barcelona who was always a bit dodgy, having him has number 1 here will be a grave mistake. Can any of us really seeing Valdes being that keeper that wins us 20 points a season like DDG? I very much doubt it. So buying a new GK is has vital has the defense midfield and attack, valdes is a backup, nothing more nothing else

 

[Adcuth]

what i don't get is why would he join real if he and his family are die hard atletico fans ?

Been thinking this for a while, be like Rooney joining Liverpool.

 

[Hernandez - BFA]

I don't think RM can sign he next year they have a transfer ban hanging over their heads.

I don't think that ban will happen. Madrid will find a way around it. It's not a transfer window without Madrid rearing their head into everyone's business.

 

[SSSSnake]

yeah

I'd only take Cech if he takes off that stupid crash helmet he wears...

Surely to fuck his head is better now...

Yeah that annoys me to! I remember that incident years ago back when Readng had Stephen Hunt and Kevn Doyle in the squad. Maybe its just a mental thing now.

 

[carvajal]

Last news that I found about this:
Barcelona´s press confirms Marca information,
- http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/real-madrid/florentino-empieza-con-gea-revolucion-del-madrid-4195695 , the article says that in the beginning of May De Gea said yes to the renewal offer but the renewal was stopped for the club and J.Mendes since there was interest from Madrid. Madrid could be paying 60 million euros (it seems a lot being in his last year but they also paid a lot for Danilo in the same circumstances). They also said that although United is looking for a substitute, Van Gaal trusts Valdés to be the starter.According to the writer the revolution that Madrid is preparing is bigger than people expects
- http://blogs.as.com/matallanas/2015/05/cech-hará-de-puente-a-de-gea-en-el-madrid.html , the article says if United asks too much money they will use Cech next year waiting for De Gea to be free in 2016
- http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2015/05/18/primera/1431941061_204220.html , As quoting the mirror writes that Madrid has offered 20 million euros

 

[SSSSnake]

It's weird that more seem pissed about the fee than actually losing De Gea. The fee is meaningless to the supporters. Perhaps if we were a Villa or a Newcastle who had to sell to spend, then we'd have a reason to be concerned. The club's summer budgeting isn't reliant on getting a good deal for De Gea, and the manager will have £100-150m - if not more - readily available to invest. Whether we let him go for free next summer, or we get £50m for him in the next few weeks, the end result is still the same. De Gea leaves and he simply cannot be replaced with a player of equal ability, because the two that currently match him are utterly unattainable.

The fans aren't getting a cut of the fee, nor is Woody going to send a letter to all the ST holders saying "We got boned on the De Gea deal. Your renewal is going to be double. Soz" so why the fuss about it? No amount of money can cushion it, because there's nobody as good, or better than him, that we can get.

It's the principle, and us fans don't want to see our club mugged off especially to that mob.

 

[NK86]

Last news that I found about this:
Barcelona´s press confirms Marca information,
- http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/real-madrid/florentino-empieza-con-gea-revolucion-del-madrid-4195695 , the article says that in the beginning of May De Gea said yes to the renewal offer but the renewal was stopped for the club and J.Mendes since there was interest from Madrid. Madrid could be paying 60 million euros (it seems a lot being in his last year but they also paid a lot for Danilo in the same circumstances). They also said that although United is looking for a substitute, Van Gaal trusts Valdés to be the starter.According to the writer the revolution that Madrid is preparing is bigger than people expects
- http://blogs.as.com/matallanas/2015/05/cech-hará-de-puente-a-de-gea-en-el-madrid.html , the article says if United asks too much money they will use Cech next year waiting for De Gea to be free in 2016
- http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2015/05/18/primera/1431941061_204220.html , As quoting the mirror writes that Madrid has offered 20 million euros

These are standard tactics from Madrid. Won't believe anything till it is there on BBC.

 

[VanGaalEra]

I still harbour a lot of belief he will stay, he's deciding. He'll make the right choice. I refuse to change my vote in the poll.

 

[carvajal]

These are standard tactics from Madrid. Won't believe anything till it is there on BBC.

Yes, and Sky Sports, 5 minutes before the final confirmation. They don´t take too much risks. Good sources to be sure at the end but not enough to get daily gossips and theories. I agree about As, but Sport...they would be happy seeing Madrid sinking and losing the transfer

 

[Shiva87]

@Manchie You can't say that's a 'lame excuse'. I fully disagree. For a 24-year old millionaire, family becomes even more important (and money less so). I stay away from my parents coz of work, but if someone gave me a chance to get 'equivalent career exposure' for lesser money, I'd move at the drop of a hat. It's not easy having a long distance relationship, and staying away from parents - regardless of how well one is doing professionally.

Nobody in their right minds will say that Real Madrid is not at least an 'equivalent' career choice for De Gea compared to us. He moved from his boyhood club Athletico for an upward career trajectory, and we didn't complain about that. So I don't see why we should begrudge him this move. He helped us achieve Champions League football this season. He was the only reason I could tolerate last season. So, fair play to him. If he moves, I'll wish him the best. If he doesn't, I'll be over the moon. He doesn't 'owe us' for the first season anymore. You can't expect him to be indebted to us for life.