Manchester United manager Erik ten Hague has given the green light to trigger a one-year extension clause in the contracts of four first-team players.
Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Fred and Diego Delot, all initially out of contract in 2023 and able to discuss free transfers to foreign clubs from January 1, have now seen their deals extended until 2024. gone – giving United more time to renegotiate. Ask for term contracts or transfer fees for any players they want to offload next year.
One player in the same boat whose future is in doubt, however, is first-choice goalkeeper David Dee.
De Gea’s contract expires on June 30, 2023.
United have the option to extend the Spaniard’s stay by a further year, as do the aforementioned players, but the problem for United is that the DG is currently one of the club’s highest earners – in the region of £375,000-a-week. I agreed to a deal when it was signed in 2019. Any extension would trigger the same terms as the existing deal.
De Gea’s current take-home earnings have suffered with the clause triggered after United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League last season, but he is the highest in the squad.
The problem for United is that De Gea’s current position on the payroll does not match his status in the world game after an extension in form, and there are concerns over his ability to play in the Hague team. De Gea’s strong point has never been with the ball at his feet, and this factor has seen him lose his place in the Spanish national team in the strong side. Luis Enrique has left his job as Spain manager after the World Cup, however, potentially paving the way for a return to the international set-up.
De Gea, on the verge of signing his final contract with United, was one of the best goalkeepers in the world, with wages reflecting that status. It’s clear that’s no longer the case, and it’s also clear to United, who are looking to be more cautious and tough on contract renewals after years of mismanagement.
90 Minutes understands United and De Gea are on good terms, and both sides are determined to stay that way regardless of the outcome of renewal talks.
Talks over a possible extension are ongoing, but United’s approach would be to sign any new long-term deal on significantly reduced terms. United are not considering triggering the option of a one-year extension.
The size of the reduction, and whether De Gea accepts it, remains to be seen.
90 Minutes reported in November that Ten-Hague has become a big fan of De Gea’s work ethic and presence at Carrington, even as concerns remain over whether he is or could become Ten-Hague’s permanent number one.
Now listen like this. Scott Saunders the host Graeme Bailey. And Toby Cudworth In the latest episode of Talking Transfers. This week the trio discuss Man Utd’s ongoing interest in Dutch duo Cody Gakpo and Frankie de Jong, Chelsea’s pursuit of Josco Guardiola, a new Arsenal deal for Gabriel Martinelli and more! Available at All audio platforms.
Click if you can’t see this embed. Here To listen to the podcast!
United have been exploring other possible options for months should they lose De Gea.
Martin Dubravka will return to Newcastle when his loan deal expires in the summer, and he was only considered an understudy for De Gea anyway. Dan Henderson, long tipped as De Gea’s successor and once trialled, still plans to leave United and the club if his successful season at Nottingham Forest continues. Can use its sales as a way to raise funds.
Portuguese number one Diego Costa of Porto has been scouted by United a number of times so far this season and looks set to be one of the next crop of modern goalkeepers ready to be snapped up by a European giant. Even if he doesn’t have anything special. A release clause in a new contract recently signed. The Hague and United like the player although they have other areas they will want to strengthen next summer.
Yann Sommer has been on United’s radar but is considered the number two option.
The DG would have to agree a new contract on reduced terms if he is to stay at United, but it is up to him and the club to decide what any new deal will look like.
United and the player are keen to settle matters on a mutually respectful basis, with the option of a better deal for De Gea also on the table should an offer come in.
Former club Atletico Madrid are a possible option, with current number one Jan Oblak’s future up in the air. The Slovenian has also been on United’s radar in the past, with a potential swap deal once mooted.