The unfortunate injury of Thibaut Courtois has opened the door for one goalkeeper to join Real Madrid. Will that shot-stopper be David de Gea? Will the Spanish goalkeeper finally sign for Real Madrid after missing out in 2015?
Courtois was diagnosed with a torn anterior crucial ligament in the training sessions days before Los Blancos kick-off their season against Atletic Bilbao. The luckless incident has made Real Madrid replan, and enter the transfer market in the hunt for a goalkeeper. Amongst the names linked to the 14-time European champions is former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea.
David de Gea is a free agent right now in search of a new club. The goalkeeper won the Golden Glove with Manchester United last season in the Premier League. Erik Ten Haag’s initially agreed on a contract extension with David but changed their stance after his horrific performance in the FA Cup final.
🚨David De Gea is on the brink of joining Real Madrid!🔥 #MUFC
✍️@TalkSport pic.twitter.com/qYdQUxA08L
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) August 10, 2023
The Spanish goalkeeper was the custodian of Manchester United for the last decade. He made 585 appearances for the club and is a proud legend. Many people do not remember though, that he was close to joining Real Madrid in 2015.
Why did David De Gea not join Real Madrid in 2015?
After the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, the club had fallen below the pecking order. The club was not competing for trophies anymore, and the only shining light was David De Gea. The goalkeeper was their Player of the Year for three consecutive years and was one of the best soccer keepers in the world. Real Madrid was looking for a keeper after Iker Casillas had left for Porto. Thus, De Gea was the prime target.
On the deadline day of the summer transfer window, a Fax machine prevented him from joining Real Madrid. The transfer fees and personal terms were agreed between the clubs. The process had to be done quickly because only a few hours remained to complete the transfer.
That fax machine saved Madrid from David de Gea
— Zito (@_Zeets) May 28, 2022
A dodgy fax machine failed to send the required documents on time and Los Blancos failed to register David De Gea within the time limit. Hence David’s dream move to Real Madrid came to an end. Keylor Navas became the La Liga team’s number one, while David signed a new long-term contract with United.
Both clubs had different fates. Real Madrid won La Liga three times, and have lifted the UCL four times since the debacle. On the other hand Manchester United only lifted the Carabao Cup twice, and the Europa League once.
Real Madrid will be looking for a keeper to pitch in for Courtois, as Andriy Lunin will be second choice. The Courtois situation has changed the dynamics, and David de Gea will be hoping that a fax machine does not spoil his party.