Barcelona are plotting move for Manchester United’s £80m veteran player and Xavi want to include Unhappy De Jong in the deal
La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are reportedly considering signing David de Gea from Manchester United next summer.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercatoweb, David de Gea is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The Catalan giants are considering signing the veteran Manchester United goalkeeper in the 2023 summer transfer window if Marc-Andre ter Stegen leaves next year.
David de Gea has had a strange career thus far. The 32-year-old rose to prominence at Atletico Madrid before joining Manchester United over 11 years ago. The Spaniard had his struggles initially at Old Trafford before becoming indispensable following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
But de Gea has been the subject of intense criticism for not adapting his game to the modern requirement. That has led to his ouster from the Spanish national squad, with his ability with the ball at his feet being non-existent. But the veteran goalkeeper remains the first-choice shot-stopper for Manchester United, although his contract runs out next summer. Such a situation has alerted Barcelona.
Barcelona might have to enter the market for a goalkeeper next summer amid uncertainties surrounding Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s future. The German international has rediscovered his best form this season. But recent reports have claimed that he might return to his homeland next summer.
The experienced goalkeeper has reportedly emerged on the radar of Bayern Munich, and he might be a candidate to succeed Manuel Neuer. So Barcelona will need to prepare for the possibility of ter Stegen leaving, bringing de Gea into the picture. But the interest in the Manchester United goalkeeper is surprising.
Xavi Hernandez prefers to have a goalkeeper who is proficient with the ball at his feet. And de Gea is anything but such a custodian, meaning he might be a bad fit for Barcelona. But the report claims Barcelona will prioritise signing the Manchester United veteran if ter Stegen departs from Camp Nou.
In turn, Manchester United will pursue Wojciech Szczesny to replace de Gea next summer. Recent reports have claimed that the Red Devils are delaying contract talks with the Spaniard. So it will be interesting to see if de Gea remains at Old Trafford or joins Barcelona next summer. Any potential move will not be a free transfer as Manchester United can trigger the one-year extension clause.
