When Did Madrid Want De Gea?
David de Gea, the Spanish goalkeeper, has been a vital player for Manchester United since his arrival in 2011. However, there have been numerous rumors and speculations about his potential move to Real Madrid over the years. Let’s take a closer look at the timeline of when Madrid expressed their interest in signing De Gea.
2015: The Failed Transfer
In 2015, Real Madrid made their first official attempt to acquire De Gea’s services. The Spanish giants saw him as the perfect replacement for Iker Casillas, who had recently left the club. The transfer saga attracted significant media attention and became one of the most memorable transfer sagas of that year.
Manchester United and Real Madrid were close to finalizing the deal on the transfer deadline day. However, due to some administrative issues and paperwork complications, the transfer fell through at the last minute. This turn of events left both clubs disappointed and De Gea remained at Old Trafford.
2016: Renewed Interest
The failed transfer in 2015 did not deter Real Madrid’s interest in De Gea. In 2016, rumors intensified once again about a potential move to Spain for the talented goalkeeper. Zinedine Zidane, then Real Madrid’s manager, openly praised De Gea’s abilities and expressed his desire to have him as part of his squad.
The speculation continued throughout the season, with many sources claiming that De Gea was keen on returning to his home country and joining Los Blancos. However, Manchester United remained firm in their stance and refused to entertain any offers for their star player.
2017: Another Missed Opportunity
In 2017, it seemed like history might repeat itself. Real Madrid once again appeared to be on the verge of signing De Gea, and the media was abuzz with reports of an imminent transfer.
However, this time around, the deal did not fall apart due to paperwork issues. It is believed that a faulty fax machine was to blame for the failed transfer. The necessary documents did not reach the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in time, resulting in De Gea remaining at Manchester United for yet another season.
Present Day
As of now, De Gea remains a crucial player for Manchester United and continues to perform at a high level. While Real Madrid’s interest in him may have waned in recent years, it is undeniable that his name has been recurrently linked with a move to the Spanish capital.
Only time will tell if De Gea will ever fulfill his dream of playing for Real Madrid. Until then, fans and pundits will continue to speculate about the future of this talented goalkeeper.
In conclusion, Real Madrid’s interest in signing David de Gea has been well-documented over the years. From the failed transfer in 2015 to the missed opportunity in 2017, the Spanish giants have consistently pursued De Gea as their desired goalkeeper. However, circumstances and administrative complications have prevented these transfers from materializing so far.