Is it only a matter of time before David de Gea joins Real Madrid?

According to former Wales’ striker Craig Bellamy, it is only a matter of time before Real Madrid sign Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea.

Talking to Sky’s the Debate, Bellamy said: “He is the real deal and I have always felt that Real Madrid have been looking for him to be their No 1 for a number of years,”

“And it is just a matter of time before they get him. His footwork is brilliant, he anticipates as well, he can read forwards and if you watch, he makes a lot of his saves with his feet. He is incredible.

“He asks the forward so many questions when you are gunning down on him and he is a real top goalkeeper.”

Is Bellamy correct in his opinion? Is it only a matter of time before David de Gea joins Real Madrid?

De Gea is the best goalkeeper in the world

In my humble opinion, David de Gea is the best goalkeeper in the world at this current time. Strangely for a United ‘keeper, he has been very busy this season, with only Swansea’s Lukasz Fabianski making more saves than the Spaniard’s 85 this season in the top-flight.

He has been truly outstanding in recent seasons, despite United’s mediocre performances at times. De Gea has won the Red Devils so many points in recent seasons it is unreal.

United would have trouble replacing the former Atletico Madrid star, as there are not many top goalkeepers out there.

Real Madrid needs a top goalkeeper

European champions Real Madrid have struggled to replace club legend Iker Casillas since his exit to Porto in 2015. The veteran ‘keeper had been a constant in the Spanish giant’s team for a decade and a half.

Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas has done a decent job as number one for the majority of the last three seasons. However, there has always been a feeling that the 31-year-old is just a stopgap, while the Spanish giants find a truly top goalkeeper.

Los Blancos have been relative sensible with their spending in the transfer window over the last few transfer windows. However, reportedly the club from the Spanish capital are set for a major rebuild of the team in the summer.

Zinedine Zidane’s team are fourth-place in La Liga. In fact, they are miles behind perennial title rivals Barcelona in the race for the title. The clubs hierarchy are understandably upset at the team’s poor performances this season and look set to authorise a revamp of the team. Signing De Gea would be a fantastic start to Real Madrid’s rebuild.

De Gea would be a major loss to United

Manchester United are struggling to compete with arch-rivals Manchester City for the Premier League title this season with De Gea and are now odds of 66/1 to win the English top-flight title this season.

Without De Gea, Jose Mourinho’s side would be even further behind Pep Guardiola’s outfit at the top of the table. Losing De Gea would be a major blow to the team’s chances of winning the title next season.

Mourinho has done some rebuilding of his own at Old Trafford since his arrival. However, it would be close to impossible to replacement a goalkeeper of De Gea’s standard. I mean where do you get a world-class goalkeeper nowadays?

It is unclear if David de Gea is interested in the move back to his home city. However, he has come close to making the move in the past. He has also expressed an interest in returning to his homeland.

Something tells me this story may have some legs. However, Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is also reported to be a target for the Spanish giants, so who knows.

However, it seems that Real Madrid are determined to improve their squad and signing a new goalkeeper is one of their top priorities. One Premier League giant may just be about to lose their world-class goalkeeper this summer.

Will David de Gea be heading for Real Madrid this summer?