Manchester United have been handed a significant boost as they head into this weekend’s fixture against Liverpool.
After David de Gea’s Portuguese super agent, Jorge Mendes was pictured arriving at Manchester United’s Carrington training complex, the club has announced that their goalkeeper has signed a new four-year contract rumoured to be worth £200,000 per week.
Spanish journalist Guillem Balague, often reliably placed to deliver such news had tweeted just an hour before the news was announced that the deal was close.
The announcement of the @D_DeGea renewal for @ManUtd is very close
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) September 11, 2015
Although this appears to be positive for those connected with Manchester United, it doesn’t entirely rule out the possibility of De Gea moving to Real Madrid next summer.
Many still expect the Spanish giants to return for the goalkeeper in the future, but the inking of a new four year deal means that if De Gea is to leave Manchester in 12 months, it won’t be on a free.
“I am delighted to be starting this new chapter in my United career,” De Gea says. “I have always enjoyed playing with these great players in front of our fantastic fans. Manchester United is a special club and Old Trafford is an ideal place for me to continue to develop my career.”
De Gea also added that he was looking forward to moving on from the breakdown of his move to Real Madrid.
“I’m looking forward to putting a difficult summer behind me and concentrating on working hard to improve and help my teammates to be successful.”
Louis van Gaal also appeared delighted at the news.
“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,” the United manager added.
It remains to be seen how United supporters will greet the news. After seeing the club’s reigning player of the year angling for a move away from the club, some will need convincing that he’s committed to the club.
A clean sheet against Liverpool at the weekend will surely help a few United supporters forgive and forget.
