Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has signed a new contract with the Red Devils, tying him to the Old Trafford club until 2019.
News of De Gea’s four-year deal was broken on United’s official website.
The article revealed that the contract includes an “option to extend it for a further year”, meaning the deal could keep the Spaniard in Manchester until 2020.
De Gea’s decision to put pen to paper with United marks a massive U-turn.
He had been widely expected to join Real Madrid this summer, but the move broke down on transfer deadline day because the relevant paperwork was not submitted on time, according to Sky Sports.
De Gea only had 12 months left to run on his old contract, prompting The Mirror to report that he could join Real on a free transfer next summer.
However, De Gea’s commitment to United now means that Real bosses will have to put their hands deep into their pockets if they are to bring the 24-year-old to the Bernabeu at the end of the 2015-16 season.
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De Gea has not yet played for United this season, with manager Louis van Gaal claiming ahead of August’s 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur that he was not in the correct state of mind.
The Telegraph quoted Van Gaal as saying: “He shall not play. A player is also a human being more than a player and he cannot manage that.”
With De Gea’s contractual situation sorted, it is expected that Van Gaal will swiftly reinstate him as United’s first-choice goalkeeper, ahead of summer signing Sergio Romero.
Van Gaal told United’s official website on Friday: “I am absolutely delighted David has signed a new contract.
“He is one of the best goalkeepers in world football. I am very pleased that he will be part of the team for many years to come.
“David made a very important contribution to our performance last season and he has been the club’s Player of the Year for the last two seasons.
“He is a popular player who is keen to learn and enhance his game. At such a young age for a goalkeeper, he has many years ahead of him.”
De Gea’s new contract will make him a very wealthy man.
According to The Independent, United were paying De Gea £35,000 per week before he signed his new deal. The same publication reported earlier today that his new wage was set to be £200,000.
Whether or not De Gea is worth £10.4m a year is up for debate, but he is certainly one of the best goalkeepers in the world, as the below video demonstrates.
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