David De Gea to Real Madrid: Manchester United goalkeeper's contract 'contains £40million release clause'

The clause, which would be triggered by a €50million bid, apparently only remains active for another month

Mark Critchley
Tuesday 17 May 2016 03:53 EDT
Comments
De Gea has been a long-term target for Real Madrid
De Gea has been a long-term target for Real Madrid (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

David De Gea’s contract reportedly includes a clause which allows him to move to Real Madrid, provided that the La Liga club submit a bid of around £40million before 15 June.

According to Spanish daily newspaper AS, the clause was inserted into the new four-year deal that the Manchester United goalkeeper signed last September.

The clause, however, which would be triggered by a €50million bid, only remains active for another month.

De Gea, a long-term target for president Florentino Perez, saw a prospective £29.5million move to Madrid collapse at the eleventh hour of last summer’s transfer deadline day.

The Spain international, a native of Madrid, subsequently signed improved terms at Old Trafford, which would allow United to demand more for their star player.

De Gea has won the club’s player of the year award in each of the last three seasons, having matured into one of the continent’s best goalkeepers since moving from Atletico Madrid in 2011.

According to widespread reports across Tuesday’s newspapers, De Gea’s future at United rests on the identity of the club’s manager next season.

The 25-year-old, who is a client of agent Jorge Mendes, is reportedly willing to stay on at Old Trafford if Jose Mourinho, another Mendes client, takes over from Louis van Gaal.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in