Man Utd star offered massive Cristiano Ronaldo reunion as Al Nassr look to capitalise on Ten Hag stance
David de Gea embraces Anthony Martial after Man Utd game
A Manchester United player could end up featuring alongside Cristiano Ronaldo again next season as Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr have set their sights on him, according to a report.
Ronaldo left Man Utd for a second time in November last year when his contract was terminated by mutual consent. That came after a bombshell interview in which the striker complained about several aspects of the club, including manager Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo said he wanted to remain in Europe and continue playing at the highest level by starring in the Champions League. But he raised eyebrows in the January transfer window by signing for Al Nassr instead. Ronaldo earns a whopping £177million a year in the Middle East.
The Portugal international seems to have started a trend as other big-name stars such as Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Kalidou Koulibaly have followed him to the Saudi Pro League. The Saudis have also attempted to sign Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min, though they have rejected such proposals.
According to the Daily Mirror, goalkeeper David de Gea is the latest star to be targeted by the Saudis, as Al Nassr have become interested in him.
Al Nassr have been put on ‘red alert’ ever since De Gea became a free agent following the expiry of his contract at Old Trafford.
READ MORE: Man Utd eye 22-goal striker who rejected Everton after Ten Hag identifies cheap Kane alternative
Al Nassr are ready to offer the Spaniard a £250,000-a-week contract. This is better than the deal Man Utd have offered him to stay at the club, as that is worth £200k per week. De Gea was previously Man Utd’s top earner on £375k a week, but they no longer want to pay him such a huge amount.
Al Nassr believe De Gea may be tempted by the opportunity to play alongside Ronaldo in the next few years.
David de Gea linked with Saudi Arabia switch
De Gea must now decide whether he wants to continue playing at a high level in Europe or go to Saudi Arabia for a new experience.
There have been plenty of reports swirling about the shot-stopper in recent weeks.
Ten Hag is eager to replace De Gea as he does not feel the 32-year-old can play out from the back like he wants. As such, Man Utd are in talks with Inter about signing Andre Onana as a replacement.
Man Utd recently decided De Gea could stay on as a backup to Onana, which is why they offered him that £200k-a-week deal. But according to The Athletic, that came after the Red Devils ended up pulling out of a previous contract in a shock move.
If De Gea does leave Man Utd, then it will be a sad way for him to go. While he has been guilty of some mistakes in a Man Utd shirt, he has also been a stalwart for the club, making 545 appearances and helping them win trophies such as the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup.
De Gea has also been named as Man Utd’s player of the year four times, including three consecutive awards between 2014 and 2016.
Meanwhile, Sunday’s Transfer Gossip includes Manchester City potentially stealing a top Ten Hag target from Man Utd.
