August 11, (THEWILL) – Real Madrid have reportedly initiated discussions with free agent goalkeeper, David de Gea, about a potential move to Santiago Bernabeu.
The contact comes after Thibaut Courtois suffered a serious ACL injury in training that is expected to rule him out for most, if not all, of the upcoming 2023/2024 La Liga season. With backup keeper, Andriy Lunin, now thrust into the starting role, Madrid have identified the need for more experience between the sticks.
De Gea left Manchester United this summer when his contract expired and has been assessing his options. The Spaniard is no stranger to Real’s interest, having nearly joined the club from United in 2015 before a infamous deadline day fax machine fiasco scuppered the deal. The 32-year-old rose through the youth ranks at rivals Atletico Madrid and made his senior debut as a teenager in 2009. Two years later, he moved to Manchester United as the successor to Edwin van der Sar.
After some initial struggles, De Gea developed into one of the world’s best goalkeepers between 2014-2016. However, his form has dipped in recent seasons. With Courtois facing a lengthy absence, Real Madrid have decided to rekindle their long-standing interest in De Gea. They have initiated discussions with his representatives and talks are said to be progressing smoothly. De Gea finds himself as a free agent for the first time in his career and may feel the time is right to return to the Spanish capital.
For Los Blancos, De Gea represents a low-risk signing with valuable experience. Although not the world beater he once was, he is a proven quality shot-stopper. With Courtois sidelined, De Gea could provide vital depth and competition for the young Lunin. After coming so close in 2015, Real may finally get their man this time around.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
