Why David de Gea’s transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid collapsed depends on whom you ask.
De Gea was set to join Real Madrid on Monday, but administrative errors prevented the necessary paperwork from reaching the Spanish soccer league in time to ratify the move before the close of the transfer window. Real Madrid and Manchester United both released lengthy statements Monday, blaming each other for de Gea’s failed transfer.
Anyone can read Real Madrid’s de Gea statement and Manchester United’s version of the events. Both are technical documents, but the most compelling parts come at the end and place blame on the other club.
“Definitively, Real Madrid had done everything necessary, at all times, to ensure that these two transfers happened,” the Spanish club said in its 10th, and final, point.
“Manchester United acts appropriately and efficiently in its transfer dealings. The club is delighted that its fan-favourite double Player of the Year, David de Gea, remains a Manchester United player,” the Red Devils said in their 11th, and final, point in the rebuttal.
We know Manchester United never wanted to sell de Gea, but the Red Devils accepted Real Madrid’s formal offer when it finally came. De Gea’s contract expires after this season, and he can sign a pre-contract with Real Madrid or another club after Jan. 1.
A lot can change in the next four months, and we don’t know what will happen next. Nevertheless, de Gea remains a Manchester United player after a deadline-day farce of extraordinary proportions.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@talkSPORT
