Former Manchester United goalkeeper, David de Gea, is on the brink of a reunion with ex-teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. However, the proposed salary for De Gea is significantly less than what Ronaldo commands at the Riyadh-based club.
De Gea's potential move to Al Nassr comes after Manchester United decided not to renew his contract for the 2023-24 season. The Riyadh club has been on a signing spree, bolstered by their recent victory in the Arab Club Champions Cup. They have expressed keen interest in the Spanish goalkeeper, and he has until September 20 to make his final decision, as reported by Marca. This extended deadline is due to the Saudi Arabian transfer window remaining open longer than its European counterparts.
The wage disparity between De Gea and Ronaldo is stark. Al Nassr has reportedly offered De Gea a deal worth £250,000 per week, a figure sourced from The Sun. In contrast, Ronaldo's earnings at the club are a staggering £170 million annually, translating to just over £3.1 million weekly. This makes Ronaldo's salary one of the highest in the history of football. Even Neymar, rumored to be joining Al Hilal, is expected to earn a weekly wage of £2.5 million.
Bayern Munich has also shown interest in De Gea. The Bundesliga champions are in the market for a goalkeeper after Yann Sommer's move to Inter Milan and an injury to their primary goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer. A move to Bayern would allow De Gea to continue playing in Europe. However, Al Nassr is keen on making him their first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming season. If De Gea chooses Al Nassr, he will join other former Manchester United players like Alex Talles.
Under the leadership of Luis Castro, Al Nassr has made significant signings, including Sadio Mane and Marcelo Brozovic, aiming to clinch the Saudi Pro League title. Despite their ambitions, they began the 2023-24 Saudi Pro League with a loss against reigning champions Al Ettifaq. Ronaldo was absent from the match due to an injury sustained during the Arab Club Champions Cup final, leading to Mane captaining the side.
De Gea's long association with Manchester United came to an end when the club opted not to renew his contract. They instead brought in Andre Onana from Inter Milan as their primary goalkeeper. While De Gea remains undecided about his next move, Real Madrid, in need of a goalkeeper after Thibaut Courtois' injury, did not consider him. Instead, they shortlisted other options and eventually signed Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea on a season-long loan.
The coming days will be crucial for De Gea as he weighs his options and decides on the next chapter of his illustrious football career.
