David de Gea ‘ turns down Manchester United’s new contract offer’ as they try to cut down his mammoth £375,000-per-week wages
David de Gea allegedly rejected Manchester United’s offer of a new contract ahead of his current deal’s expiration at the end of the season, but negotiations with the Spanish goalkeeper are likely to achieve a favorable conclusion.
Manchester United agreed to pay De Gea £375,000 per week when he signed his current contract in September 2019, making him the world’s highest-paid goalkeeper.
The 32-year-old came from Atletico Madrid to Old Trafford in 2011 and has since made over 500 appearances for the club.
De Gea just eclipsed Peter Schmeichel as the club’s all-time leader in clean sheets with 183, following a difficult start to the current season.
The Athletic reports that while United would like to extend De Gea’s contract, they are more concerned with cutting his astronomical pay – something De Gea must accept if he wishes to remain with the club.
At the time of signing his current contract, the arrival of Alexis Sanchez on a contract worth more than £400,000 per week and his standing as United’s lone No. 1 gave De Gea power in negotiations with then-chief executive Ed Woodward, according to the article.
Following initial doubts as to whether the 32-year-old could be Ten Hag’s long-term No. 1 goalkeeper, the Dutchman has acknowledged the contribution De Gea has made this season with a series of spectacular saves in crucial moments of games.
In United’s 3-0 win over Leicester, the Spaniard made a great save to deny Kelechi Iheanacho’s header, which was later named as the Premier League’s save of the month for February. Consequently, Ten Hag, the coach, wants De Gea to continue playing for the team.
According to the report, De Gea has received a good offer, but he believes that his form and ability to contribute to match-winning performances make him one of the team’s most crucial players, and he deserves a suitable salary.
Although De Gea has struggled with playing out from the back at times, Ten Hag is a practical coach who recognizes the goalkeeper’s value and acknowledges that his distribution is something he is working on.
As a result, instructions have been adjusted to accommodate this, and Ten Hag supported De Gea after a particularly inconsistent performance in their 4-1 win over Real Betis earlier this month.
Ten Hag said: “I can’t ignore (his kicking), but we have seen many games (where) he did really well.
“David is working on that. He is improving and he will keep improving, I’m sure.”
It is likely that there will be changes in United’s goalkeeping department during the upcoming summer, as the report suggests. Dean Henderson, who has been on loan at Nottingham Forest this season, may be sold as United aims to sell players at the appropriate time. Two clubs have reportedly expressed interest in a permanent move for Henderson, following his impressive performances for Steve Cooper’s team.
In addition, Martin Dubravka’s loan move to challenge De Gea was unsuccessful, and he returned to Newcastle in January. Meanwhile, Tom Heaton, the backup goalkeeper, will be out of contract at the end of the season, and Jack Butland, who joined on loan from Crystal Palace in January, has not yet played for the team.
United will face Newcastle in a crucial match for the top four on Sunday, marking their return to action.
David de Gea ‘ turns down Manchester United’s new contract offer’ as they try to cut down his mammoth £375,000-per-week wages
