Real Madrid are in discussions with former Manchester United star goalkeeper David de Gea after learning about Thibaut Courtois’ shocking ACL injury.
Courtois sustained a severe injury during training shortly before the start of the 2023/24 La Liga season. This unfortunate event leaves Real Madrid facing Athletic Club at San Mames in their opening match without the Belgian star.
The former Chelsea star is anticipated to be absent for a significant portion, if not the entirety, of the season as he undergoes recovery.
Andriy Lunin will be entrusted to temporarily fill in, but the 24-year-old Ukrainian is the sole other goalkeeper available in the main squad.
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The next most experienced keeper for the La Liga giants is Lucas Canizares, who hasn’t yet played for the senior team but was listed on the substitutes’ bench a few times in various competitions last season.
Meanwhile, De Gea is currently without a club since his contract with Man United concluded at the end of June.
The 32-year-old has attracted attention from the Saudi Pro League, and there has also been interest from Bayern Munich after Yann Sommer’s departure to join Inter as Andre Onana’s replacement.
Real Madrid have identified a favourable chance that aligns with their requirements. They have initiated communication with De Gea’s agents, and discussions are advancing.
The Spaniard’s ties to Madrid date back to his youth, having grown up there and progressed through Atletico’s ranks. He made his debut for Atletico’s senior team in 2009 at a young age.
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In 2011, United selected him as the successor to retiring goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar. Despite initial struggles at 20 years old, De Gea went on to win the Premier League in 2013 and was widely regarded as one of the world’s top goalkeepers from 2014 to 2016.
During this period, he was frequently linked to Real Madrid, and a transfer nearly materialised in 2015.
In the final year of his contract, the speculation reached a peak in the summer of 2015, causing the star shot-stopper to miss the start of the 2015-16 Premier League season.
United and Madrid agreed on a £29 million deal, including Keylor Navas moving to Old Trafford. However, the transfer collapsed due to paperwork not being submitted on time, an incident infamously blamed on a fax machine.
In a surprising turn, De Gea signed a new long-term contract with Man United less than two weeks later.
Now, after eight years, the Spanish star may finally fulfil the longstanding possibility of joining Real Madrid.
