David de Gea has been nothing but a legendary servant in one of Manchester United’s darkest eras, who alone has kept his reputation alive and prevented the ship from sinking further into the time after Fergie.
But since 2018, form has left De Gea and the subsequent rise of Dean Henderson is forcing United down a path to stick to one or the other. 30 is not an age for a goalkeeper, but the Spaniard may have nothing more to give at Old Trafford, while Henderson has everything to come.
The Red Devils are in a tricky situation | Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images
The caretaker position is always tricky. Unlike an outfielder, you start either or not; there is no room for changing positions and accommodating. And with many top clubs already happy with their number one, a move may not be the easiest to make.
With this in mind – should a summer transfer occur – here are the pages De Gea has been linked to and how realistic a move is.
Continue. You thought about that, right?
No way. For all the jokes, De Gea is still way too good to go to the States for a swan song.
In addition, Phil Neville is too busy watching the Premier League big in the 2000s for Inter Miami; Ben Foster and Paul Robinson are ahead of him on the shopping list.
Probability: 0/10
Replacing Ter Stegen does not solve any of Barcelona’s immediate problems Juan Manuel Serrano Arce / Getty Images
Barcelona are entering a new era of the presidency when Joan Laporta arrives for a second incantation, and while there is work to be done to fix the squad, it is probably not following De Gea’s top priority.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen is fine, and there is not much that separates the two for what it would cost to get started. If this was 18 months ago when La Blaugrana signed random players for it, it may feel more realistic, but that ship may have just sailed.
Probability: 2/10
Milan must consider Donnarumma’s potential replacement | Jonathan Moscrop / Getty Images
Gianluigi Donnarumma stays over a new contract is the last thing Milan need when he finally puts together a proper club experience.
The 21-year-old is without a contract in the summer, and it is time for Rossoneri to consider alternatives. De Gea would be an incredible addition to a group that could do with a sprinkle of excellence to really finish the remodel.
The problem? He would be way too expensive, especially with Zlatan Ibrahimovic still in the book. This is contrary to how they have succeeded in rebuilding and would probably solve the wage structure.
Probability: 3/10
Juve could find a way to bring De Gea to the club Stefano Guidi / Getty Images
Although the old lady fell enormously after a decade of dominance in his domestic league, a transfer to Juventus is still an attractive perspective for all top players.
They still have traction, but a move would depend on how much longer a deal would financially destroy them (looking at you, Cristiano Ronaldo).
Probability: 4/10
Handanovic does not have long left on top Alessandro Sabattini / Getty Images
Milan’s city and title rivals Inter must also start thinking about a new number one.
Samir Handanovic has been an incredible servant, but at 36 there is probably not much left in the tank. An updated De Gea solves this for a large number of years and gives them a boost to push for better fortunes in Europe. They also like to sign ex-United players, that much.
Finances can be a problem, but winning Scudetto this season could help their downfall.
Probability: 4/10
Real Madrid is still crazy enough to run a business as pointless as this Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
The one who got away.
After the cursed fax machine broke down, Real had to move on and instead sign Thibaut Courtois, who has become the undisputed number one at the club.
However, knowing that De Gea – a Spaniard with a history in Madrid – is available will probably always turn his head a little. And with the money they have, it simply can not be ruled out.
Probability: 5/10
Atleti must win La Liga in order not to disturb the apple basket | Fran Santiago / Getty Images
A return to Madrid is not unlikely, but it does not have to be with Real Madrid.
Jan Oblak is the starter at Atletico, but there is always a chance that he could be pulled away and if the season ends badly from such a strong start, he may be tempted to jump ships.
Bringing De Gea back to the club where it started would be a great way to go full circle, but it also makes a lot of sense. Athletics need to freshen things up, and it can be a risk worth taking.
Probability: 5/10
De Gea would replace Navas if it came to the FRANCK FIFE / Getty Images
34-year-old Keylor Navas has been good for PSG and even more. But the club needs to be updated, and bringing in a top goalkeeper can be the catalyst for success.
In its day, De Gea is still ahead of Costa Rica and puts unknowing quality aside. His presence would throw them off enormously, and they would not have to sweat over financing a transfer fee or his hefty wages.
The two parties need each other in this scenario. The glove fits.Probability: 8/10
