Analysing Real Madrid's Pursuit of David De Gea and Thibaut Courtois
A broken fax machine denied David De Gea a move to Real Madrid in 2015, and if the Manchester United goalkeeper does not answer a call from Los Blancos this summer, he may never get the chance to play for them.
Madrid's search for a new long-term goalkeeper has been dragging on for years. The exploits of Keylor Navas ultimately bought them some time, but with every passing week there seems to be a new link to De Gea or Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois. It would be a huge surprise if one or the other does not begin next season at the Santiago Bernabeu.
While there is a burning ambition from both 'keepers to make the move, there are also difficulties in both camps.
Sources have told B/R that Madrid's summer recruitment process will accelerate in April, so with that in mind, we have been exploring the big decision they have to make about who will be guarding their net.
De Gea's Dilemma
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Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho adores De Gea but realises the player has a desire to play for Real Madrid during his career. How does he know this? He asked him during frank discussions about the future.
A United source explained how Mourinho brought up the issue as part of the ongoing discussions involved in trying to tie De Gea to a new and improved contract at Old Trafford.
Mourinho is understood to have been understanding of his viewpoint but also stressed how important he is to United, as the the club rate him as the best stopper in world football.
De Gea has recovered from the disappointment of not moving to Madrid in 2015. His performances and demeanour on the pitch prove that, and he is enjoying life off the pitch in Manchester. He also has a belief in Mourinho and the team he is putting together—and that is a major reason the club expect him to commit himself by penning a new deal.
Talks have now been going on for over three months, and United are seeking a conclusion soon to end the stories surrounding him and a potential move back to Spain.
When De Gea joined from Atletico Madrid in 2011, it was for a British record fee for a goalkeeper of £18.9 million. Despite a shaky first season, he has shown he was worth the money. Almost every contact I spoke to about the situation believes the club would be looking for close to £100 million if he did decide to move on.
That is an extortionate sum for a goalkeeper, but is it beyond Madrid? Never say never. Don't forget the statement they made by taking Cristiano Ronaldo from Old Trafford in 2009.
In his autobiography, Sir Alex Ferguson wrote: "Madrid paid £80 million in cash and do you know why? It was a way for Florentino Perez, their president, to say to the world 'We are Real Madrid, we are the biggest of the lot'. It was a clever move."
Chasing Courtois
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Madrid know how tough it is going to be to sign De Gea, that's why Courtois is also on the radar as a potential Galactico.
The fact is he does seem more attainable. In recent times, while De Gea has been focused on his place at United, Courtois has been fluttering his eyelids in Madrid's direction.
There have been numerous occasions when he has spent time addressing Madrid-based media, but it was his recent words to Sport/Foot Magazine (h/t The Independent) that hammered home the message he is open to moving there.
He spoke of his heart being in Spain as he misses his family: "My two children live there with their mum. I have my daughter on FaceTime every day...
"If they [Real] want me, they have to contact Chelsea. We'll see. But they never did it. What is certain is I will one day return to Madrid."
Courtois is resuming talks next month over the possibility of extending his Chelsea stay beyond 2019. Pal Eden Hazard has also been discussing his future, and he was seen by the club as a priority case.
In the eyes of Chelsea's hierarchy, Hazard is irreplaceable—Courtois is not.
Navas Enough?
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According to people who cover Real Madrid, it's not as simple as just buying a new goalkeeper because Keylor Navas is a popular figure within the dressing room. It would be a big decision to cast him aside.
He looked to be on his way to United as part of that De Gea transfer, but since then he's put in some great displays and won the Champions League twice.
That is not to say the Costa Rica international is safe, though—few players in this Madrid squad are right now.
The club are considering a summer overhaul: a midfielder in the mould of Toni Kroos; at least one attacker to start transitioning away from the Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo front line; and a central defender to help stabilise them.
B/R analyst Sam Tighe said of the situation: "Navas is fine, probably a seven-out-of-10 goalkeeper. He has done what he can this season while Madrid have struggled defensively, but this is Real Madrid and they can afford to have a better goalkeeper...so they should do it."
Countdown to Decision Day
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I held a Twitter poll to see where fans stand on the issue, asking: "Which goalkeeper do you think will join Real Madrid this summer?"
From 20,867 votes, De Gea edged it by just one per cent—proving how finely balanced this situation is.
In April, Madrid's management team, together with analysts and board members, will decide how to push forward. How both 'keepers have progressed in contract talks with their current clubs is going to have an obvious bearing on which one they may pursue.
Sources on the ground in Madrid believe the situation sits like this: Ideally, the top choice will be De Gea. He edges it courtesy of some outstanding saves in recent times and his status as Spain's best goalkeeper.
That does not mean they are going to sign him, though. In fact, the belief from many well-placed observers is Real will end up pushing ahead with a move for Courtois, because he would be easier to sign.
His obvious interest in returning to Madrid, combined with the fact Chelsea seem less attached to him than United are to De Gea, makes him attainable. He'll probably be cheaper too.
Sources in London are convinced Chelsea are already putting feelers out for the likes of Jack Butland of Stoke City and AS Roma's Alisson, suggesting there is a fear inside Stamford Bridge they will lose their giant Belgian.
Courtois, whose contract expires in 2019, is also being linked with PSG as Spanish outlet AS claims he has been in talks with them but has reservations.
At Madrid, he would feel at home both on and off the pitch.
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