Spaniard David De Gea is the latest player to be caught up in the drama of the football transfer window.
It has been public knowledge for some time that the goalkeeper’s Manchester United contract is set to run out. So naturally in comes the interest of football’s elite – Real Madrid among them.
Throughout the summer preseason, questions have been raised as to whether the Spaniard will return to his birth nation to play club football. Despite the best efforts of the La Liga giants to lure the 24-year-old, he remains with the Red Devils until the expiration of his contract.
Of course, the richest club in the world will not retreat that easily.
Los Blancos President Florentino Perez has decided not to hold talks with the English heavyweights, but will wait until De Gea’s current deal is up and when he chooses not to remain at Old Trafford.
If all goes to plan, his move to Spain could be finalised on Monday.
However, in the middle of this long saga is the young goalkeeper who is not only preoccupied with club duties, but also that of the upcoming Euro 2016 championships, where he will be expected to be in fine form for a Spain outfit that will be looking to retain their title.
Yet, what of the Keylor Navas and Kiko Casilla, the two current Madrid glovemen? Should a De Gea move be agreed upon, it will undoubtedly create continual competition for the other two goalkeepers, whom already fight for a spot in the starting XI.
It is the Costa Rican who currently holds the No.1 position, with Casilla hot on his heels. Navas featured in Real’s preseason and has started both games in the current La Liga campaign.
The 28-year-old made a name for himself at the 2014 FIFA World Cup with his heroics and has yet to concede a goal for Real thus far this season. However, it is young star Casilla who remains on the bench, as many predicted.
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Following the departure of Iker Casillas to FC Porto, both the Spaniard and the club saw an opportunity to benefit from what was a sad outcome.
Casilla was labelled a star on the rise at his former club Espanyol, after coming through the youth ranks with Los Galacticos.
Despite his importance there, he was encouraged by the staff to make a decision which would best help him grow as an individual and a player. Hence his decision to return to return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Yet, his contributions have been minimal as a result of being placed in second position. A De Gea arrival will cause an additional struggle for the two custodians, especially Casilla, who will be cast further down on the pecking order.
Is the Spaniard a necessary signing for the club?
On grand scale of things not really, but for the moment, fans are just happy to watch the drama unfold.
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