On his personal page, David de Gea leisurely shares travel photos, ignoring the concerns about his future at Manchester United (MU). However, it seems that the Red Devils are also no longer patient with the former player and are determined to pursue Jordan Pickford.
A week ago, Pickford was on MU's transfer target list. At that time, the Red Devils offered £30 million for England's number one goalkeeper. But now, with increasing seriousness, MU wants to finalize Pickford's transfer by adding an additional £15 million, making it a total of £45 million.
Just last February, Pickford extended his contract with Everton until 2027. However, this does not guarantee that he will stay at Goodison Park. Like many other Everton stars, he doesn't want to bury his career in a team that is not participating in European competitions, especially after a challenging season of avoiding relegation. Moreover, as the starting goalkeeper for the England national team, he cannot accept such a modest destination.
Moving to MU is an excellent choice for Pickford, especially since the Red Devils are uncertain about their starting goalkeeper for the upcoming season. If De Gea agrees to a wage reduction, the position would be his. But the problem is that De Gea is unwilling, and it is highly likely that the 12-year-long relationship between him and the club has come to an end.
De Gea is clearly avoiding reality by burying himself in his girlfriend and the sea. He doesn't want to leave MU, not only because of his emotional attachment to the red half of Manchester but also because he knows that there is no better place for him. De Gea will not find any European club willing to pay him £200,000 per week at the moment, let alone the £375,000 he is currently receiving.
At Old Trafford, De Gea has a reputation as one of the world's best reflex goalkeepers but is also infamous for his poor footwork compared to other top goalkeepers in major clubs. The trend in modern football requires goalkeepers to be involved in the team's ball-playing system. No matter how much Ten Hag tries to defend him, the truth is that De Gea falls short compared to his peers.
The best option is for both parties to find a way out if neither is willing to compromise. The initiative now lies with MU, as they have expressed their desires and presented their offer, and only a signature and contract remain on the negotiation table. MU will not discuss further, and it's up to De Gea to decide whether to sign or not. Previously, De Gea had time to think, but now time is no longer on his side as MU has been in contact with other goalkeepers.
Pickford will solve many issues for Ten Hag. He is a decent reflex goalkeeper, has good footwork, and can save penalties. Moreover, Pickford can quickly integrate into MU as he will reunite with many England teammates at Old Trafford. His experience in the Premier League needs no further discussion, as he has always been one of the top goalkeepers in the highest league of the foggy land.
The cost of "nurturing" Pickford will certainly be cheaper than extending De Gea's contract. Therefore, at this moment, there will surely be someone who can no longer relax by his girlfriend and the sea, but instead, must soon decide his own future.
