David de Gea, Former Manchester United Goalkeeper, Offered Record-Breaking Salary in Saudi Arabia
David de Gea, Former Manchester United Goalkeeper, Offered Record-Breaking Salary in Saudi Arabia
David de Gea, the long-serving Manchester United goalkeeper who was recently released by the club, has reportedly been offered a record-breaking salary to join a club in the Saudi Pro League. The 33-year-old Spanish international, who spent over a decade at Old Trafford, is now facing a pivotal decision about the next chapter of his illustrious career.
David de Gea joined Manchester United in 2011 from Atlético Madrid as a promising young goalkeeper, brought in by Sir Alex Ferguson as a long-term replacement for Edwin van der Sar. Over the course of 12 years, de Gea established himself as one of the Premier League’s top shot-stoppers, making over 500 appearances for the Red Devils and winning numerous individual accolades.
During his time at Manchester United, de Gea played a crucial role in the club’s successes, including winning the Premier League title in the 2012-2013 season, the FA Cup in 2016, and the UEFA Europa League in 2017. His remarkable reflexes and ability to make spectacular saves earned him a place among the best goalkeepers in the world.
Despite his achievements, the 2022-2023 season proved to be a challenging one for de Gea. Though he won the Premier League Golden Glove award for keeping the most clean sheets, questions about his distribution and ability to play out from the back in Erik ten Hag’s system led to speculation about his future. With his contract set to expire in June 2023, Manchester United opted not to renew it, leading to de Gea’s departure from the club.
Since leaving Manchester United, David de Gea has been linked with several clubs across Europe, but it is the interest from the Saudi Pro League that has generated the most headlines. According to sources close to the situation, de Gea has been offered a record-breaking salary by an unnamed Saudi club, making him one of the highest-paid goalkeepers in the world.
The offer, reportedly worth around £15 million per year, would see de Gea become one of the marquee signings in the Saudi Pro League, which has been aggressively pursuing top talent from Europe in recent years. The league, backed by the Saudi government’s Vision 2030 initiative, aims to elevate its profile on the global stage by attracting high-profile players and coaches.
The proposed deal is said to include not only a substantial salary but also lucrative bonuses and incentives, making it one of the most financially rewarding contracts ever offered to a goalkeeper. The Saudi club in question is reportedly eager to make de Gea a key figure in their squad, highlighting the league’s ambition to compete with the top European leagues.
David de Gea now faces a significant decision about his future. While the financial terms of the Saudi offer are undoubtedly attractive, the goalkeeper must weigh other factors, including his desire to continue competing at the highest level in Europe and his personal life.
De Gea has previously been linked with a return to Spain, where his family is based, and clubs such as Real Betis and Valencia have expressed interest in bringing him back to La Liga. Additionally, there are reports that some top European clubs, including Serie A giants AC Milan, are considering making a move for the experienced goalkeeper.
At 33, de Gea is still widely regarded as being in his prime as a goalkeeper, and his next move could have a significant impact on his legacy. A return to Spain or a move to another top European league would allow him to continue competing in the UEFA Champions League, a competition where he has unfinished business.
On the other hand, a move to the Saudi Pro League would provide de Gea with a new challenge and the opportunity to be part of a growing football project in the Middle East. The financial security and lifestyle benefits offered by the Saudi deal are also likely to be attractive considerations for de Gea and his family.
From Manchester United’s perspective, de Gea’s departure marked the end of an era. The club has already moved to secure a replacement, signing Cameroonian international André Onana from Inter Milan. Onana, known for his excellent ball-playing abilities, fits into Erik ten Hag’s tactical vision and is expected to be the first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming season.
Manchester United’s decision to let de Gea go was driven by a combination of tactical considerations and the need to refresh the squad. While de Gea’s contributions to the club over the years have been immense, the club is now focused on building a team that aligns with ten Hag’s philosophy of high-pressing and playing out from the back.
As David de Gea weighs his options, the football world watches with keen interest. Will he choose the financial rewards and new challenge offered by the Saudi Pro League, or will he opt to stay in Europe and continue competing at the highest level? Whatever his decision, de Gea’s next move will be a defining moment in his career.
Manchester United fans will always remember de Gea as a club legend, a player who gave his all during some of the most challenging years in the club’s recent history. His next chapter, whether in the Middle East or Europe, will be followed closely by fans and pundits alike.
